Report: Oregon safeties Jamal Hill and Steve Stephens return for 2023
The Oregon Ducks are going to have a lot of experience at the safety positions next season, with fifth year senior Jamal Hill and sixth year senior Steve Stephens each returning to Eugene, according to a pair of tweets from Oregon insider James Crepea.
Hill appeared in 13 games last year, totaling 50 combined tackles, three passes defended, and one forced fumble in Dan Lanning’s defense.
Stephens, like Hill, saw the most action of his career in 2022. He appeared in 13 games and racked up 43 tackles and two passes defended, helping to fill gaps left by the departures of Verone McKinley and Mykael Wright to the NFL.
Oregon safety Jamal Hill is returning in 2023, according to a source. Returning starter will be a 5th year senior.
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) January 17, 2023
Oregon safety Steve Stephens IV is returning in 2023, according to a source. 6th year senior has split time as starter and played significant share of reps the past 2 seasons.
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) January 17, 2023
Whether Hill and Stephens reprise their roles from last year remains to be seen, but having the pair back gives Oregon more experience and depth in the secondary.
It also helps ease the sting of losing cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who is headed to the NFL and expected to be a first round pick.
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