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Writer's pictureBrett Fine Jr

Oregon Duck Receivers Will 'Stick It' to the B1G in 2024

Tez Johnson poses for a picture against Oregon State
© Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Things are looking exciting for the Oregon Ducks wide receiver room in 2024. The Ducks receiver room provides a plethora of sticky hands, poised to put on a show in 2024.


After reeling in former five-star recruit and Texas A&M standout Evan Stewart in the Transfer Portal this offseason, head coach Dan Lanning solidified the best wide receiver room in the country.



  • Tez Johnson, Senior (Transfer)

  • Evan Stewart, Junior (Transfer)

  • Traeshon Holden, Senior (Transfer)

  • Gary Bryant Jr., Redshirt Junior (Transfer)

  • Jurrion Dickey, Sophomore

  • Kyler Kasper, Redshirt Sophomore

  • Jeremiah McCllelan, Freshman

  • Justius Lowe, Redshirt Sophomore

  • Dillon Gresham, Freshman

  • Ryan Pellum, Freshman

  • Jack Ressler, Freshman


The Ducks also retained Johnson, who put up 1,182 yards last season as the secondary target behind

Troy Franklin. Oregon has former 2023 five-star receiver Dickey preparing for his sophomore season, and let us not forget about Kasper, Holden, Bryant and Lowe. Let's analyze this elite position group for the Ducks.


Dynamic Duck Duo

Before we dive into the thick of things here in Eugene, Ore., we must address the best wide receiver duo in college football heading into 2024: Johnson and Stewart. The tape tells all here with these two. Lanning and the Ducks lost Franklin to the NFL Draft this offseason, which opened up a spot for the Ducks to make a move on Stewart. Stewart was a five-star recruit in the class of 2022 along with being ranked as the No. 2 WR in the nation. His rocky start with the Aggies and their coaching carousel led to his transfer to Oregon.



Stewart's shifty, elite route-running ability will cause headaches for defenses that already worry about the proven Johnson. Johnson put up elite numbers last season as the second WR on the depth chart. Franklin broke the single-season record at Oregon for yards and touchdowns with 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns. Despite that, Johnson still logged 86 receptions, 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns.


The connection with his quarterback and brother by adoption, Bo Nix, was undeniable. Johnson decided to stay this season and pursue a championship. Johnson often comes screaming open over the middle and offers an electric run-after-the-catch ability, which will frustrate every defensive coordinator who plans for the duo. Both of these guys will likely surpass 1,000 yards in 2024 with how Will Stein's offense is coordinated.

Veteran Transfers Fighting for WR3

A couple of names that the casual fan might want to remember regarding Oregon's wide receivers are Holden and Bryant. Both of these guys transferred to Oregon before the 2023 season, looking for more opportunities. They might not have seen much difference in their production from previously. Holden, who transferred from Alabama, had 331 yards and 6 touchdowns for the Crimson Tide in 2022. For the Ducks, he logged 383 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2023.



Holden technically holds a spot above Bryant on the depth chart, but the opportunity for both of them to grab the third wide receiver spot is wide open. Someone could rise up the depth chart and play their way into being the third target in this offense. While it might be Holden's spot, for now, someone like Bryant could play their way into it. Bryant is most known for his big run after the catch for a touchdown against Arizona State last year. Holden, however, offers a significant size advantage on some of the pass catchers in Eugene. Holden is listed at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. Bryant is listed at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds.



Five-Star Dreams

A name that every Duck fan is eager to see thrive is Dickey. Dickey was a five-star product who was ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver in the class of 2023. With Oregon's talent at the pass catcher position last season, he saw little play in 2023. Dickey might or might not run into a similar wall this season. However, Dickey showed flashes in camp this year, and Stein raved about his progress in the spring. Dickey offers scary size at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. His high school tape exhibited him playing like a man amongst boys, which excited Duck fans about his potential.



Dickey climbed the depth chart in spring camp until he sustained a minor injury in the spring game after a couple of catches.


"He looks like the player we all anticipated he would look like," Stein said of Dickey.


Lanning said the injury might sideline him, but he should be fine to start the season.


"Will be a little limited to start fall camp, but should be good," Lanning said.


Dickey's potential is NFL-level good, so if one of the starters goes down with an injury in 2024, Dickey could be called up to the plate. After that, a star could be born for the Ducks. Regarding the future of the receiver room, Johnson will have to leave after this season, along with possibly Stewart. Regardless, next season could be the year Dickey takes a starting spot.



Camp Work Horse

A name that continues to shine in camp is that of Kasper. Kasper is outperforming most of the receiver group in camp, drawing attention to his potential. Kasper was a four-star recruit from Arizona in the 2022 class. There is a ton of talent in this room, and any receiver below Holden, Bryant and Dickey will have to stand out to get the opportunity. Kasper shined in the spring game and continues to put on highlight-reel catches in camp.



Kasper, listed at 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, continues to show elite ability to track the ball in the air and come down with acrobatic catches. Kasper is a name that fans should keep an eye on to work his way up the depth chart and potentially steal the fourth wide receiver spot. Other names to watch down the road are Lowe, McClellan, Pellum and Gresham.
















1 comentário


Convidado:
27 de ago.

Dickey is a freshman. He played one game last year.

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