Dan Lanning gives status report on WR Jurrion Dickey and continued development with Ducks
During the NCAA’s early signing period in December, the Oregon Ducks accomplished a great deal. They received many letters of intent from recruits and transfers across the country, including right tackle Ajani Cornelius and edge Matayo Uigalelei. Both have become integral components of this season’s Ducks.
While those players’ commitments were massive victories for the Ducks, the highest-profile signing of the day was five-star wide receiver Jurrion Dickey. He was the No. 2 WR in his class behind only Zachariah Branch. Dickey attended Menlo-Atherton High School in Palo Alto, California, the hometown of Ducks’ WR Troy Franklin. Dickey is the second-highest-rated WR behind only Cameron Colvin to ever sign with the Ducks,.
When Oregon’s jersey numbers were announced this past summer, there was speculation Dickey would redshirt after picking No. 99 — a number not traditionally worn by WRs. Oregon’s WR group is one of the deepest position groups on the team, so there didn’t seem to be much room for a true freshman, despite his immense talent.
Until now, that speculation seemed accurate. Dickey has not seen the field in 2023. On Thursday, however, Dan Lanning spoke to the media after practice and was asked about Dickey’s status. He had this to say:
“Yeah, he did a great job today, had a big catch on us today. You know what, I think he’ll continue to grow. He’s gotten better and better. He’s gotten himself in shape. You know, he was coming off a knee injury there at the end of high school. And I think that he’s really worked himself through that. So hoping that he can certainly help us down the stretch.”
Not only is the Ducks’ WR room one of the deepest parts of the roster, but it has also been one of the most productive. Franklin has, at the very least, put himself in the Biletnikoff conversation. Tez Johnson, Gary Bryant Jr. and Traeshon Holden have been valuable additions. But, as the season progresses, so does fatigue, which makes depth more and more valuable.
The prospect that Dickey may see the field in the coming weeks is an exciting one. His talent is immense. As Lanning mentioned, he has gotten better since coming to Eugene.
If the coaching staff deems he’s ready, there is a high likelihood that when he does see the field, he’ll put on a show. An appearance for the young WR would also provide him with valuable game experience for when he hopefully becomes a more integral member of the Oregon offense down the line.
