10 Ducks we can’t wait to watch at Oregon’s spring game
The Oregon Ducks’ annual spring game has finally arrived. On Saturday afternoon, Dan Lanning and the Ducks will once again take the field at Autzen Stadium with fans in the seats and the sun shining.
While it is technically an intrasquad scrimmage and the results don’t mean anything, we will certainly be looking for a number of takeaways that can be had after watching the performances of certain players.
After the offseason and weeks of spring practice that we’ve seen, a number of players have our attention. Be it due to a new face on the roster, a position change, or simply a chance to prove they’re capable of being a productive piece going forward, there are a handful of guys that we will be watching closely on Saturday. Here are the players at the top of my list.
QB Ty Thompson
Unless something happens to Bo Nix this season, the Ducks don’t need Ty Thompson to be a starting-caliber quarterback this season. However, it certainly would be comforting for him to show flashes in the spring game that can give some confidence that he is your guy for 2024 and beyond. So far, Thompson’s limited exposure in Eugene has been fraught with inaccurate passes and poor decision-making. He’s expected to get a ton of work on Saturday, so it will be interesting to see what he can do with the opportunity.
WR Tez Johnson
If you’ve been paying any attention at all this spring, you’ll know Tez Johnson is the hot ticket on the roster. Since transferring from Troy, Johnson has been creating a lot of buzz on the practice fields in Eugene, using his speed and quickness to offer skills the Ducks did not have on the roster. We’ve heard stories from practice, but I want to see it with my own eyes.
Edge Matayo Uiagalelei
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This may be the player fans are most excited to see. As a true freshman, Matayo Uiagalelei was among the most highly regarded members of the 2023 signing class, and he has received high praise from coaches and players so far this spring. I didn’t initially think he would be a big-time contributor in his first year with the Ducks, but after what we’ve heard it’s a possibility. I want to see it on the field and determine how possible it is.
TE Kenyon Sadiq
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If you’ve read a lot of my stuff or listened to the “Sco-ing Long” podcast, then you are aware of how bought in I am on tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Another true freshman who we haven’t seen at the college level, he has the physicality and skills that could be transfixing at this level. Sadiq will get opportunities to show what he can do on Saturday.
S Tysheem Johnson
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“See ball, get ball.”
That’s how Dontae Manning described Tysheem Johnson’s style of football. To be honest, it sounds pretty entertaining. Johnson is a physical player who can give the Ducks a huge boost at the nickel safety position. I’m excited to see him in an Oregon uniform, flying around in the secondary.
LB Jamal Hill
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Jamal Hill put on 17 pounds and moved from safety to linebacker this offseason. I want to see what that looks like. Does he play as big as he looks? Is he able to work in coverage more than past Oregon linebackers have? Can he fit the runs up in the box like a traditional linebacker? It’s a new spot for him, and I have questions, all while loving the move.
Edge Jordan Burch
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He is arguably the biggest addition the Ducks made this offseason, taking a big step to bolster their defensive line and create a pass rush. Jordan Burch needs to be good this year for the Ducks to succeed. Let’s see on Saturday if he can have an impact on Oregon’s offensive line.
RB Dante Dowdell
Dante Dowdell is a big, physical runner that could take over the goal line, short-yardage role we saw Jordan James occupy last year. His high school film was incredible, and he comes to Oregon as one of the top recruits from the 2023 class. Of course I want to see what he can do with the ball in his hands against college talent.
LB Jestin Jacbos
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The Ducks are relatively thin at linebacker, but they have some really talented players who could have a big impact. Iowa transfer Jestin Jacobs is one of those players, and I want to see how he looks after missing last season due to injury. If he can play up to his ceiling, it would be huge for the Ducks.
WR Kyler Kasper
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We have a pretty good idea who the top few wide receivers on the depth chart are going to be, but a few names might surprise some people. Kyler Kasper is among them. After enrolling early in 2022, Kasper has an added year of experience and a frame that presents some unique possibilities on offense. I will definitely be watching him closely when he is on the field.
