Oregon Ducks transfer cornerback heats up competition against ‘best’ receiving corps

EUGENIO – The Oregon Ducks football team has great depth in their defensive backfield. Led by Washington Huskies transfer Jabbar Muhammad, Dontae Manning, and Kam Alexander, the Ducks have a solid defense.

This amount of talent creates intense competition during practices, pushing players to raise their performance level to the next level. One standout defensive back, transfer Kam Alexander, is experiencing his first fall camp in Oregon after joining the team from UTSA.

“Fall camp is a lot tougher than previous schools I’ve been at,” Alexander said after Day 12 of Oregon’s fall football camp. “I would say as far as fall camp here, it’s just 24/7, long, hard days, and it’s tough, so you just have to keep the right mindset and keep going.”

One of the reasons Alexander moved to the Ducks was so he could work on improving all aspects of his game, both physically and mentally.

“I came here to specifically strengthen the mental aspect of the game, and that’s exactly what’s happening. I think that’s one of the most important things I’ve grown in,” he said.

Last season, as a junior at UTSA, Alexander played in 13 games for the Roadrunners and started nine of them. He finished with 34 total tackles (32 solo), 2.0 tackles for loss, one sack and two interceptions. Additionally, Alexander tied for fifth in the nation with 17 passes defensed and fourth nationally with 15 passes deflected.

This season as a Duck, Alexander hopes to accomplish even more. On Wednesday, after practice, Alexander talked about how the high level of competition at Oregon is pushing him to become a better athlete.

“I love to compete,” Alexander said. “Compete. That’s all there is to it right now as far as trying to see who gets the starting job.”

At Oregon practices, Alexander competes against some of the best corners in the country, including Jabbar Muhammad, Dontae Manning and Khamari Terrell. The high level of competition within his position group isn’t the only competition that benefits Alexander. At practice, Alexander and the defensive backs unit compete against the No. 1 receiving corps in the country.

“Whatever they throw at you, every day is going to be different,” Alexander said of Oregon’s receiving corps. “The receiving corps is definitely the best I’ve seen.”

Asked if any of Oregon’s receivers were giving Alexander any trouble, he said, “No trouble, but tough trouble.”

Alexander shared that the tough receivers he faces in fall camp are Tez Johnson, Evan Stewart and Traeshon Holden. He also shared that tight end Terrance Ferguson is another tough athlete who challenges Oregon’s defense.

“He knows how to put you in certain coverage so he can win,” Alexander said of veteran standout Ferguson.

Oregon’s defensive backroom depth not only provides for intense competition but also gives athletes the flexibility to put forth maximum effort during practice as they prepare for Big Ten conference play.

“Personally, I love cornering because it’s kind to everyone’s body and you can get the most out of everyone,” Alexander said.

The Ducks will have the day off tomorrow, but will return to the practice field on Friday to prepare for Saturday’s game.

MORE: Updated recruiting rankings: Oregon Ducks quarterback commit Akili Smith Jr. falls

MORE: Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning previews ‘amazing’ Ohio State game in highly anticipated Big Ten

MORE: Oregon football recruiting: Ducks battle Texas, Nebraska for five-star Michael Terry III

MORE: Oregon Duck mascot skips rival Washington Huskies on Big Ten road trip

MORE: ‘Superpower’ Marcus Mariota impresses Washington Commanders: Backup QB or starter?