Wide Receiver: 2018 Spring Recap + Fall Preview

How will the Ducks rebuild their depth on a largely untested receiver corps in 2018? Who will step up and become Justin Herbert’s key targets? Can the young guns step in and take reps away from the starters? Is there a star in the making in this position group?

Pre Spring Depth Chart

1. Dillon Mitchell 6’1 188 Junior

2. Brendan Schooler 6’2 192 Junior

3. Johnny Johnson III 6’0 194 Sophomore

4. Malik Lovette 5’10 203 RS Junior

5. Jaylon Redd 5’8 171 Sophomore

6. Daewood Davis 6’1 183 RS Freshman

Analysis

- Oregon returns a lot of production from the receiver position that was thrown to fire very early on. The only major loss was the now graduated Charles Nelson. Even with the experience, the Ducks return very few capable college receivers.

- 2017 was a balanced passing attack (out of necessity at times due to injuries and lack of depth). The third leading receiver was a tight end. The hope is that more of the receivers can step up and lead the offense while the Ducks rebuild their run game after losing an all time legend in Royce Freeman.

- The only reliable weapon that defenses had to truly fear and gameplan for was Dillon Mitchell. Johnson had his moments but was generally just a guy. It didn’t help that Oregon had severe issues at quarterback when Justin Herbert was injured.

- The depth at receiver was so thin that a couple were moved there to make up numbers. Schooler and Lovette were former defensive backs that were pressed into duty. Not much was expected and rightly so.

- All hope isn’t lost as several were reportedly making great gains as Herbert’s primary targets during the spring.

Post Spring Depth Chart

1. Dillon Mitchell

2. Brendan Schooler

3. Tabari Hines

4. Johnny Johnson III

5. Daewood Davis

6. Jaylon Redd

Redshirt candidates

1. Jalen Hall

2. Isaah Crocker

3. J.J. Tucker

Analysis

- Davis reportedly stood out during the spring so he swaps places with Redd but not for a lack of effort on Redd’s part.

- The top three remain the same due to the fact that they didn’t do anything in particular to lose their positions. Mitchell is still the top dog while Schooler is nipping at his heels as a big body red zone type.

- Redd is an interesting case as he might project as a slot weapon that could also play some running back.

- Tabari Hines is a graduate transfer from Wake Forest. He’s a solid talent that would’ve led the Ducks in receiving last year. He’s pretty much locked into a starting spot due to seniority and talent level.

- The three receiver recruits are likely going to be redshirted due to the rebuilt depth ahead of them. Hall is somewhat of an interesting situation as he hasn’t reported back to the team (as of press time) due to a personal issue. Due to the time he’s missed even as an early enrollee, he’s going to be redshirted.