Almost 80% of Oregon’s receiving yards from the previous campaign are either injured or no longer on the squad, therefore the team will be depending on an unknown receiving corps this year.
255 of the Ducks’ 335 receptions from the previous season, which went for 3,126 of 3,913 yards and 24 of 30 touchdowns, were lost.
Even with Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden, Evan Stewart, UO’s top returning skill player, had a significant effect during the Rose Bowl with 48 receptions for 613 yards and five touchdowns. Together with Terrance Ferguson, they are now in the NFL. Ten scholarship receivers remain at Oregon after Stewart tore his right patellar tendon; seven of them combined for 28 receptions for 267 yards and one touchdown in the previous campaign.
Although losing Evan was difficult, offensive coordinator Will Stein emphasized the need of having a “next-man-up” mentality. It’s about men taking charge, carrying out their duties, developing, and learning. Trying to get a sense of that guy’s personality early on is the main goal of this autumn camp.
RELATED: As the Oregon Ducks begin their fall camp, Evan Stewart is recovering in Miami.
Justius Lowe presently leads Oregon’s returning receivers with 21 receptions for 203 yards and one touchdown. He saw Stewart’s injury as both sad and a chance for the other members of the receiving corps.
“Undoubtedly depressing, but ultimately, it’s a business,” Lowe remarked. Guys had a chance to take charge and have an influence. We have many weapons, new players, and freshmen who are capable of playing.
The tight end Although Malik Benson’s performance at Florida State surpasses both him and Lowe, Kenyon Sadiq is Oregon’s most productive returning receiver.
The Ducks must rely on others to distribute the ball this fall, despite Sadiq’s anticipated sharp rise in targets as the starting tight end and the unparalleled excitement around star freshman Dakorien Moore.
Last season, Jurrion Dickey, Kyler Kasper, and Gary Bryant Jr. all struggled with injuries. During the spring game, redshirt freshman Jeremiah McClellan and Dillon Gresham made promising plays. Cooper Perry, a rookie, has the potential to enter a rotation that is far from definite.
Dickey remarked, “I feel like this identity is still unknown.” We seem to be developing into a significant part of our team and identity. I believe we must see.
With more depth at running back and a talented tight end group, the Ducks could use fewer three receiver sets than in the past, Stein said, adding that it will take more than just the receiving corps to keep the offense effective and productive.
As in the past, we need that (receiver) group to play a significant role in our attack, but they don’t have to do it by themselves, Stein stated. This year, perhaps more than just out of 11 persons, as we have done in the past with Tez and crew, we will rely on other roles. However, that’s thrilling. For us, it’s an exciting challenge.
James Crepea discusses the Big Ten and Oregon Ducks.
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How will Oregon’s offense make up for absence of Evan Stewart?
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