Bryce Boettcher looking to solidify legacy in final season with Ducks
Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher (28) tackles Penn State tight end Tyler Warren (44) during the Big Ten Championship Game Saturday December 7, 2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
Despite winning the Burlsworth Trophy, and a Big Ten Championship last season, Oregon’s veteran linebacker still wants to accomplish more as he approaches his final year with the program.
Bryce Boettcher has a noteworthy journey from being a former walk-on, to an All-Big Ten performer and playing for the Ducks means more to him because he’s the hometown kid from Eugene. He still can’t believe how his career continues to soar to new heights, and doesn’t take anything for granted.
After all, he was a complete unknown a few years ago, and didn’t even know if College football was in his future. Although he remains a two-sport athlete after winning the Golden Gloves with the Ducks, Boettcher basically put baseball on the back burner for football. It doesn’t matter that the Houston Astros drafted him in 2024, and currently owns his rights for the next five years.
However, he has a mutual agreement with the franchise, and Coach Dan Lanning is going to let him spread his wings this fall. Boettcher didn’t even know if he had a year of eligibility left until after the Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State. Regardless, it was a no-brainer for him to return. Now Boettcher is riding a big wave of momentum approaching the new season, considering he led Oregon in tackles last year. He’s also more motivated than ever before after the Ducks ended last season on a sour note.
“Just given the magnitude of our season, and what happened there, being from Eugene, having all my family, friends and community behind me, I felt like I had some unfinished business,” Boettcher said. “This offseason has been incredible, just having a chip on my shoulder, knowing that we as a team have a lot to prove, and I’m going to enjoy one last ride playing for my hometown.”
The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder is a tackling machine, who can fly from sideline to sideline, and has amazing instincts. That’s why Boettcher is arguably one of the best inside linebackers in the nation. Being the heart and soul of Oregon’s defense means being a leader, and having a ton of responsibility. Boettcher leads by example, and has a tremendous work ethic that his younger teammates admire.
His mentality is to never stay complacent, despite all of the success, and he’s no stranger to grinding from the bottom.
“Personally I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder, I feel like once you’re a walk-on, you’re always a walk-on, regardless of whether you win the Burlsworth, or championship, it’s always in the back of your mind,” he said. “You’re never good enough, so you always have to get better, and you’re never satisfied.”
The Ducks have an All-Big Ten caliber player at every level of their defense, including edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei, Boettcher and safety Dillon Thieneman. Boettcher believes with all of the returning experience, production and leadership the sky’s the limit for what the defense can accomplish on the gridiron. And that speaks volumes for a unit that finished 15th nationally in total defense, and 16th in points allowed.
Having a defender like Boettcher, who takes pride in setting the tone, and flying to the ball, makes everyone want to get involved. Boettcher is vying to stop the run, and help the Ducks have the most physical team on the field every game. Oregon is on a mission to win a National Title, and has the pieces in place to do so in Boettcher’s eyes. There’s no denying that he wants to carry the Ducks to the finish line, and Lanning values what he brings to the team overall.
“He’s the lifeblood of this program, and the heartbeat in a lot of ways,” Lanning said. “He’s a guy that’s excited for practice, and when he
steps on the field, it means something to him.”
Baseball is still in Boettcher’s future, and he plans on returning to the Astros following this season, unless the NFL Draft comes calling. Boettcher still uses baseball as a vacation from football, and often finds himself in the batting cage for relief.
“It’ll always be a hobby of mine, I just love getting in the cages and swinging it because it takes my mind off football,” the 23-year old said. “So when I come back I’m fresh, and ready to roll, so I love the game of baseball, and I’ll always be playing it.”
Boettchers is still adding to his legacy with the Ducks, and wants to be an inspiration for all of the underdogs. With the game constantly evolving, including roster trims, it makes the path for walk-ons harder. Still, Boettcher hopes the loopholes don’t discourage individuals who are flying under the radar striving for a scholarship, and has a message for those dreaming of playing College football.
“Just keep chopping wood, keep doing your thing day in and day out, and if you stick to it, eventually you’re not going to regret it, I guarantee it.”
