It wasn’t long ago that the Oregon Ducks were known for their aggressive rushing offense and lack of top-tier weapons on the outside to throw to. That first part still rings true in Drew Mehringer’s offense, but the Ducks have continued to upgrade in talent at wide receiver in recent years.
This year might be the best group the Ducks have ever had. From experienced wideouts like Evan Stewart and Iverson Hooks, to young guys looking to prove themselves with Dakorien Moore and Jeremiah McClellan, and even to the most recent recruiting class that brought Jalen Lott and Messiah Hampton to Eugene. Truly, the Ducks have several wide receivers who could be the top option in a different program.
Yet, it’s impossible to make everyone a starter and get the entire room involved in every game plan, but the Ducks proved last season how important depth is at the position. With Stewart, Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. all sidelined with injuries late last season, McClellan was one of the Ducks who stepped up and now appears destined for a large role in the offense this fall.
The hope is to avoid injuries, of course, but the Ducks are always looking for ways to set themselves apart from the pack. Oregon wide receivers coach Ross Douglas is of the same mindset, looking for ways to get different guys on the field this spring, even if it’s not in a spot they are used to.
“When I evaluate receivers, I evaluate skill sets,” Douglas said after Saturday’s scrimmage. “Because if you’re a good football player, you should be able to play anything. So, it’s really positionless football here in my room. Whether you’re outside, whether you’re inside, you should be able to plug and play anywhere. All those guys have unique skillsets, whether it’s speed, contested catch ability, twitch, or ball skills.”
The Ducks will have to utilize some of that “positionless” nature this season on the perimeter. Moore, Stewart and McClellan have primarily played out wide in the past, while Hooks appears to be destined for a Tez Johnson-esque role from the slot. There’s just not enough spots for everyone, so Douglas wants the key four to get reps everywhere.
A transition from outside to inside or vice versa can be tricky sometimes, but especially in an offense with as many moving parts and pre-snap motion as the Ducks have. Fortunately, those transitions are easier with an experienced and prolific passer under center like Dante Moore.
Moore has taken a bigger approach to leading the locker room this spring with a healthy mix of old and new faces surrounding him. The Ducks will go as far as he can take them, but it doesn’t hurt to have some versatile receiving weapons all over the field. Out wide, along the line, or in the backfield, the Ducks understand how the ball is going to be spread around and the importance of making the most of every touch.
“It’s a blessing,” Douglas said. “One, our quarterback is one of the best in the United States of America. I think, NFL or college, he’s one of the best quarterbacks. We have really good tight ends, we have good backs, we have good wideouts. And the thing about them, they’re all selfless. There’s only one football to go around, but everyone wants to see each other win … Collectively, that makes a very dangerous group.”
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Ducks finding ways to share the wealth amongst talented WR core
