It’s not very often fans get to see a two-sport athlete find success in both sports in college, as many must decide which sport to focus on.
Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher has made his presence known on the football field, a much different sport from his initial start at Oregon, which is on the diamond. Boettcher’s story has been fun to watch as he has proven to be a reliable player for the Ducks on defense and special teams.
Who is Bryce Boettcher?
High School
Boettcher competed in three sports at South Eugene High School in Oregon, playing baseball, football, and basketball during his high school career.
Baseball was his calling card, ranking as the best shortstop in the state, according to Prep Baseball Report. He lettered in baseball four times with three strong years playing with multiple highlights, including throwing a no-hitter. He helped South Eugene make the Oregon 6A State Tournament in 2018 and 2019.
Showing off his athleticism, he was also a three-star prospect playing quarterback and defensive back, being named first-team All-Midwestern League at defensive back. Boettcher ended up being ranked in the top 25 best players in the state of Oregon by the end of his high school career.
College (Baseball)
Boettcher chose Oregon to play baseball initially. During his freshman year in 2021, he started eight games at center field. Boettcher recorded four RBIs, 14 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 38 games played for the Ducks.
He was the only Oregon Duck freshman to start on opening day for the team.
The second season for Boettcher in 2022 showed his versatility on the field, playing second base, center field, and right field for the Ducks. He appeared in 43 games and started in five of them, recording three RBIs and four walks during the season.
College (Football)
Entering the football field while playing baseball is always tough on a player physically and can affect other aspects of their lives. Boettcher is just one of 15 collegiate players in 2022 playing multiple sports as he walked on the Ducks football team.
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This decision resulted in him having to give up a portion of his baseball scholarship. According to NCAA bylaws, “the NCAA requires a scholarship athlete in another sport to count against a football team’s scholarship limit.”
Boettcher played in 12 games in 2022, mainly on special teams. He made two tackles in 91 snaps on special teams for the Ducks. His first position with the team was playing safety.
He has had a bigger role in 2023, though, as he started the first game of the season for Oregon at inside linebacker after making the transition from safety to linebacker.
Boettcher was the first walk-on to start for Oregon since 2017, recording four tackles and one fumble recovery in the win against Portland State. Through five games in 2023, Boettcher had recorded 21 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
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It’s unknown what will happen with his football or baseball career, but playing as a junior, Boettcher has certainly opened the door to continue playing next season, most likely playing an even bigger role on the football team.
Boettcher Player Profile
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 220
- Number: 28
- Class: Junior
- Hometown: Eugene, OR
- High School: South Eugene HS
- Years Active: 2
- Previous School: N/A
- Draft Eligible: 2023
Boettcher Player Career Stats (As of October 11, 2023)
- Tackles: 23
- Tackles For Loss: 5
- Sacks: 1
- Forced Fumbles: 1
- Fumble Recoveries: 1