How Webb’sSpencerpassing influenced his teammates to open other.
GAMEDAY OPPOSING OFFENSES WATCH OUT PG.4 DAN LANNING’S PATH TO SUCCESS PG. 9 PRO DUCKS HEADLINING THE 2022 NFL SEASON PG. 13 8.25.22 A ‘WEBB’ IMPACTOF
up to each
PAGE 2 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2O22 GAMEDAY
(Emerald/ Ian Enger)
The Duck joins Oregon cheerleaders as they sing and dance to Oregon’s third quarter tradition, “shout.” The University of Oregon Ducks hosted and defeated the Oregon State Beavers 38-29, claiming the Pac-12 North champions title. (Emerald/ Ian Enger)
(Serei Hendrie/Emerald) (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 3 GAMEDAY GAMEDAY, the Emerald’s football edition, is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit news company at the University of Oregon founded in 1900. OREGON’S STARTING LINEUP TROY RYANALEXT.J.STEVENSEVENDONT’EFRANKLINTHRONTONMCGEEJONESBASSFORSYTHWALK MALAESALA AUMAVAE-LAULU TERRANCE FERGUSON BO BRYONNIX CARWELL No. 11 No. 2 No. 7 No. 74 No. 56 No. 78 No. 53 No. 71 No. 3 No. 10 No. 21 WR-SLWR-ZWR-X RBQBTERTRGOCLGLT RSSOSOSO JR SR/TR RS SR RS SR RS SR/TR SO JR/TR SO DJ JUSTINNOAHBRADYNBRANDONTAKIJOHNSONTAIMANIDORLUSSWINSONSEWELLFLOWE CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ BRYAN ADDISON TRIKWEZE BRIDGES DONTAE MANNING JAMAL HILL No. 2 No. 55 No. 3 No. 44 No. 1 No. 10 No. 00 No. 13 No. 11 No. 8 No. 19 STARBCBBSFSFCBWLBMLBJACKDTDTDE RS JR/TRSR/TR RSJR FR FRSO SO/TR RSJR SO JRSO ANDREW BOYLE CAMDEN KRISSEVENKARSTENLEWISBATTLESMCGEEHUTSON No. 98 No. 49 No. 45 No. 7 No. 1 PK/KOPT/H KRPRLS SO/TR SOSOSRJR ON THE COVER Ducks tight end Spencer Webb (18) warms up during the pregame. Oregon Ducks Football takes on Stanford University at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 7, 2020. (DL Young/Emerald) PLAYER # POS YEAR PLAYER # POS YEAR PLAYER # POS YEAR OREGON’S STARTING LINEUP OREGON OFFENSE OREGON DEFENSE OREGON SPECIAL TEAMS NEWSROOM Editor in Cheif Hannarose McGuinness Managing Editor Brandon Roth Copy Chief Logan Robertson Sports Editors AaronMojoHeisonHill Reporters Jack Nina-GraceGabrielAaronMarvinMontesElliottDeinsBradyRuthJacobHamre Photo Editor Maddie Stellingwerf Design Editor Liz Blodgett BUSINESS President & Publisher Bill Kunerth x317 Vice President, Operations Kathy Carbone x302 ADVERTISING Director of Sales and Digital Marketing Shelly Rondestvedt x303 Student Sales Manager Amy Menendez Account Executives Riley Valle Keaton Roberts MaxJoshGoldenbergDelapena GAMEDAY Designers Mia EstherRadostitzSzeto EMERALD MEDIA GROUP 1395 University St., #302, Eugene, OR 97403 541.346.5511comdailyemerald.
PAGE 4 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2O22 GAMEDAY OPPOSING OFFENSES WATCH OUT:
HEADHUNTERS JUSTIN FLOWE AND NOAH SEWELL ARE HERE
There’s only one way to describe Flowe’s play style: ferocious.
Combining the fear of getting hit-sticked by Flowe with the punishing play style of Sewell will give offensive game planners nightmares. If Flowe stays available and Sewell continues on his superstar trajectory, opponents will struggle to run the ball and complete passes over the middle of the field. This will give defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi the opportunity to wreak havoc on the opposing offenses and help control the pace of the game.
Oregon’s 2022 roster is solid once again, but one position group stands out. Linebackers Justin Flowe and Noah Sewell will not only be quarterbacking the defense, but will drive fear into the hearts of every offensive player. 2022 can be the year when we see these tremendously talented linebackers on the field together.
“I feel really good, I feel mentally prepared. My body feels good. I’m just taking it a day at a time,” he said. Sharing the honor of being named to the Butkus Award watch list is the unquestioned defensive leader, Sewell. He’s coming off a year where he led the Ducks’ defense with 114 total tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. If you ask any scout, they’d tell you he’ll surely be joining his brother Penei as a first-round pick in this upcoming NFL draft. With Sewell’s tryenergytoitpracticealwaysindefensiveofhestartingandnaturalto-sidelinesideline-speed,instinctsyearsofexperience,couldhaveonethegreatestseasonsprogramhistory.“NoahSewellbringsittoandbringstoeverything.Itrybringthesameandwebothtobringthatenergy every day,” Flowe said. “I feel it gets the backers ready and all of us ready as a unit. We just bring it every day because that’s what makes us different.”
“Every time he comes on the field you can feel his presence and I always try to mask that because he’s always trying to one-up me,” Sewell said at media day, July 29. “It’s like a back-and-forth competition and that’s what I need. He helps me to get better and I help him to get better.” Flowe has always been a menace on the field, going back to his Upland High School days where he showcased terrifying hit power and superb tackling. There’s no reason he can’t get back to this high level of play if he stays healthy. However, that’s been a big if during his time in Eugene; the former 5-star linebacker has dealt with a myriad of injuries, including a torn meniscus in 2020 and a foot injury that kept him out nearly last season. Flowe’s development slowed, but his potential to be a gamewrecker is alive and well. He made the Butkus Award watch list, given to the nation’s top linebacker. At media day Flowe confirmed his readiness to play.
Ducks inside linebacker Noah Sewell (1) talks to his teammates on the sidelines. Oregon Ducks football takes on the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2020. (DL Young/Emerald)
The ceiling is limitless for this dynamic duo, and the fanbase is exhilarated to see how dominant they can make the defense.
BY JACK AARON
Could the Ducks’ duo of Flowe and Sewell be the best in program history?
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 5 GAMEDAY
“He really loved the boys here and they were brothers to him, no matter what,” Defensive Lineman Sam ‘Taki’ Taimani said. “He loved you the same way.”
LOSS DRAWSCLOSERCOMMUNITY Daily Emerald Archives
PAGE 6 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2O22 BY GABRIEL MARVIN • TWITTER @GMARVINDAILYEM
We all hear how life can drastically change at any moment, but none of us could’ve imagined life without Webb. It’s hard to fathom because Webb was a person who everyone thought embodied the cliche phrase, live life to the fullest. And there wasn’t anyone who enjoyed life more than him.
“At only a very young age you guys became the greatest parents ever,” Webb tweeted in September 2017 beside pictures of Cody and Alicia. “I love you guys.”
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 7 GAMEDAY
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They both spoke at his memorial service and Alicia put together a statement that all who knew Webb could certainly attest to.
Those uncomfortable talks are player-led and can include anything from relationship issues to school and even depression.
The morning of July 13, 2022, started like any other summer day for Oregon football.
“We all know Spencer was a great football player,” Alicia said. “But Spencer was one of the best dancers in the room, he had a special handshake with everyone he knew and he genuinely cared about the time he got to spend with you. Whether you met him for the first time or you knew him for a long time.” He also left behind his girlfriend Kelly Green, who announced in August she is pregnant with a baby fathered by Webb.
The team went their separate ways and Webb went to a popular swimming hole near Eugene called Triangle Lake later that afternoon.
Webb left behind so many, including his brother, Cody and sister-in-law, Alicia who became his legal guardians after his parents were no longer in the picture.
“That’s something that will always stick with me,” Taimani said. “He really loved the boys here and they were brothers to him, no matter what. He loved you the same way.”
“He could talk to you for three minutes and by the end of the conversation, he’d know where you’re from, what makes you tick and maybe even your social number,”security
Head Coach Dan Lanning
“He could talk to you for three minutes and by the end of the conversation, he’d know where you’re from, what makes you tick and maybe even your social security number,” head coach Dan Lanning said. A story shared by Lanning at his memorial service spoke volumes about this.
“Me and Spencer had a certain goal and that was to make it to the NFL,” said Crocker who was asked about his dedication to stay at Oregon through the adversity he’s faced. “Growing up with him and being together nearly every day, I have to stay.”
Ducks tight end Spencer Webb (18) stiff arms an opposing wildcat. Oregon Ducks Football takes on the University of Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium on Nov. 16, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)
Sam “Taki” Taimani was fortunate enough to be in Webb’s group where they talked about all the people they are grateful to have in their Taimanilives.said Webb specifically went forward and talked about how he truly missed his teammates in the offseason and told them how they were more than just teammates to him.
“Spencer was the first…” The first friend that became a brother, the first person to ask you how your day was going and the first person who would be there when you needed him most. Spencer Webb strived to make a lasting impact on everyone around him.
One could go on about the way Webb carried himself forever. His genuineness and ability to make friends with anyone were evident in whatever setting he was in.
“We created an angel before heaven gained one,” Green said via Instagram. “Can’t believe I have to do this without you but knowing I’ll have a piece of you keeps me going.”
The Ducks had their all-team meeting at 8:00 a.m. and they were split into groups to discuss gratitude.
It’s awful that a devastating occurrence like this is what forces teams to open up and build stronger bonds between teammates, but at the same time, it’s ironic because relationships are what made Webb the person he was.
At a team meeting, Lanning showed a picture of one of the janitors who worked at the practice facility and asked the entirety of the Ducks football team if they knew this man. Just one hand was raised… of course, it wasTheWebb’s.teamhas undoubtedly grown closer as a result of the tragedy. Many team members stated that those uncomfortable conversations are now happening more often, just as Webb would“There’swant.no more being quiet,” Taimani said. “Dudes were really opening up to each other and sharing their feelings because we just lost a brother.”
According to James Crepea of The Oregonian, around 2:30 p.m., Webb attempted to climb a “nearly vertical” cliff and fell while in the process. Bystanders rushed to Webb, put him on a raft before bringing him to a rock along the banks of the swimming spot and performed CPR. West Lake Fire Department was the first emergency response to arrive at the scene and at 3:09 p.m., Webb succumbed to his Wordinjury.ofthe tragedy began trickling through the Eugene community and eventually the entire college football world. No one could’ve imagined this kind of situation, especially his teammate and best friend since high school, Isaah Crocker. Growing up on the outskirts of Sacramento, the two were “a package deal” coming to Oregon and made plans to leave Eugene in the same fashion.
PAGE 8 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2O22 GAMEDAY LOOKING BACKLOOKING BACK (Maddie Knight/Emerald) (Serei Hendrie/Emerald) (Maddie Knight/Emerald)
The Park Hill South coaching staff would attend clinics at Tulsa, where Todd Graham, the head coach at the University of Hawaii, coached at the time. From there, he built connections with Graham and his defensive coordinator, Keith Patterson. Lanning started to make his way into the college coaching world by sending emails looking for entry-level positions. Patterson was the only one to respond. A little while later, Graham, Patterson and the rest of the Tulsa staff moved to Pittsburgh; Lanning later followed them. “I’m going to regret this forever if I don’t do it,” Lanning told SportsWhenIllustrated.hearrived in Pittsburgh in the early morning, there was a slight problem. The parking lot at the football offices was empty, and it stayed like that for a few hours, which is odd for a Division I program. Come to find out, all of the coaches were attending a clinic out of town. When a staff member finally showed up, Lanning waited for him to unlock the door and followed him inside. Once he was inside, he asked the receptionist for Patterson’s phone number, and she refused. He eventually found someone to give him the number, and he called to explain why he was there. Patterson told him the entire staff would be there the next day, so Lanning stayed in a hotel room and waited. Graham offered him a quality control job paying $800 a month, and Lanning was excited that he finally got his foot in the door. When the Pittsburgh staff left for Arizona State the following year, Lanning went with them. In his second season at Arizona State, he was promoted to on-campus recruiting coordinator, and his career path was starting to set. In 2014, Lanning left Arizona State and headed to Sam Houston State, a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program, to be a recruiting coordinator and defensive back coach. After spending a year in Huntsville, he made another monumental move — returning to a graduate assistant position, but this time at the University of Alabama. That’s where he met Kirby Smart, the former Crimson Tide defensive coordinator and current Georgia head coach. “Every day was a competition,” Lanning said in an interview with the Oregonian. “You’re not just there to win games, but you’re competing against other GAs for a job. There was no job too small or big, and I think Coach Smart recognized that. He recognized hard work.”Smart respected Lanning for his dedication.
“He was really consistent in his effort,” Smart said of Lanning. “He tried to go above and beyond. It’s always good when you give someone a job and they do it to the fullest extent.”
Lanning went on to be a part of Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s staff during the 2015 season when the Crimson Tide won the National Championship. That opportunity opened many doors for him. Once the season ended, he made his way to Memphis, Tennessee, where he once again became a recruiting coordinator, but added the title of inside linebacker coach. Two seasons later, Smart hired him back onto his staff when he got the head coaching job at the University of Georgia. In 2019, Lanning got promoted to defensive coordinator after Mel Tucker left to become the head coach at the University of Colorado. Tucker tried to take Lanning with him but he decided to stay to embark on his own mission — building an elite defense. One that would go on to lead the Bulldogs to a national championship in 2022. When he left Georgia for Oregon, it was because his dream finally came true — a head coaching position was offered to him. “Oregon is a premier brand,” Lanning said in an interview with SportsCenter. “Oregon’s a team that it doesn’t matter what spot in the nation you’re at. You recognize it. And for me, I never wanted to leave Georgia for anything less than a job that I thought was an elite one. And this is that.” He credits his path to success to his former players and everything he’s learned from Smart; not just the Xs and Os, but how to run an elite program. Despite not coaching an official football game with the Ducks yet, he’s made an immediate impact. Lanning and his staff scrapped together a top-20 recruiting class for 2022 after former Ducks head coach Mario Cristobal left following the season. They’ve used that prowess to assemble a top-15 class for 2023 that continues to add highly-touted recruits.
DAN LANNING’S
“He had a great opportunity, he did a great job and the opportunities he’s taken, he’s taken advantage of those,” Smart said. “But everywhere he’s been, he’s got a reputation for being a great leader and being tremendously enthusiastic and I think that helps him be the leader and kind of person he is. I know he’ll have success at Oregon.”
Courtesy of Sean Meagher/Oregonian
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 9 GAMEDAY OREGON’S NEW HEAD COACH’S STORY SHOULD BE A REMINDER TO EVERYONE THAT YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO.
When Dan Lanning landed in Eugene in early December 2021, the excitement and awe were visible on his face. When he entered the football operations center Hatfield-Dowlin Complex for the first time with his wife Sauphia and his three sons next to him, it finally hit him that his dream had come true. At the age of 35, Lanning became one of the youngest head football coaches in Oregon history. As Lanning addressed his team for the first time, he said, “This feels like Christmas day to me. I feel like the luckiest man on Earth.” Nearly 11 years ago, his path to Oregon launched. In January of 2011, Lanning drove 13 hours from Liberty, Missouri, to the University of Pittsburgh football offices — uninvited and unannounced — looking for a job. He was 24 at the time, a recent graduate from William Jewell College, where he was a linebacker at the NAIA school. After graduation, he became an assistant coach at Park Hill South High School in Missouri.
The Oregon Ducks run onto the field for the 124th Ducks vs Beavers football game. The University of Oregon Ducks hosted and defeated the Oregon State Beavers 38-29, claiming the Pac-12 North champions title. (Ian Enger/Emerald)
LANNING’S PATH
DAN TO SUCCESSPATH TO SUCCESS
BY NINA-GRACE MONTES
The first true test for Lanning and his Ducks will come on Sept. 3 in Atlanta, Ga. against the Georgia Bulldogs. He returns to compete against the program where he built one of the scariest defenses in college football history.
DAN LANNINGDAN LANNING
“My job is to build a winner,” Lanning said at his introductory press conference. “This program is staged to compete and to win championships. We’re going to be methodical in our approach. We’re going to compete to a standard every day, the Oregon standard.”
Ducks running back Sean Dollars (5) catches the ball and rolls backwards. Oregon Ducks Football takes on Washington State at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Oct. 26, 2019. Knight/Emerald)(Maddie
When Mario Cristobal announced his departure from Oregon to take the head coaching job in Miami, nine players declared for the transfer portal. After discussions with Lanning, sophomores Sean Dollars and Seven McGee withdrew from the portal and bought into the Lanning system.
Lanning also brought on offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham from Florida State. Dillingham was also the coordinator for Nix, at Auburn, when he won 2019’s Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the “FootballYear. is about culture,” Dillingham said. “It’s about developing a culture more than it’s about Xs and Os. If we don’t have a willingness to compete and go get better today then nothing matters. Absolutely nothing matters if we don’t have the culture and mindset.”
PAGE 10 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2O22 GAMEDAY
Accountability and leadership from the players is what Lanning seems to be looking for in his players. He wants his players to constantly compete and be physical.
In his first offseason, Lanning recruited transfers from other top collegiate programs. Veteran players like quarterback Bo Nix, running back MarKeise Irving and wide receiver Chase Cota transferred to Oregon knowing they could compete and win in tight moments of big games.
“The best teams are player-led,” Lanning said. “Sometimes players can be afraid to be a leader and say things, because they still make mistakes. The reality is, I make mistakes too. What we have to do is own them and still be willing to call people out and get better.”
Lanning is looking for his players to grow one percent better every day. In the fine details of football is where the team can look to find those small points of improvement that help the team get better and win games. Getting better daily is something that Lanning wants out of his team and himself. He is always looking for opportunities to improve his coaching and his players’ abilities.
It was a difficult decision for McGee, who had committed to Oregon and Cristobal since 2018. After a conversation with his family and Lanning, he decided to give the new coach a chance, and it has worked out, McGee said. “Coach Lanning and Coach Dillingham are great with their offensive scheme,” McGee said. “Lanning had arguably one of the best defenses to ever play the game last year. He knows what he’s doing.”
OREGON’S NEW CULTURE UNDER
The University of Oregon’s perennial-winning football program is a handful for any first time head coach. Thirty-six-year-old Dan Lanning proved his defensive coordinator prowess last season, helping the Georgia Bulldogs win the national championship. He has ambitious aspirations ahead of his first season leading the Ducks.
Lanning expects measured growth and constant improvement in his first season as head coach of the Ducks
BY ELLIOTT DEINS
“We need to continue to have measured growth,” Lanning said. “Take what’s there and don’t force what’s not. Make great decisions, distribute the ball to playmakers, know our principles and execute.”
Recent transfer quarterback Bo Nix shows off his skills in front of Duck fans for the first time. The Oregon Football team competes in it’s annual spring game on April 23rd, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 11 GAMEDAY
A look back on some of the Ducks’ top moments against Los Angeles schools.
The first ever matchup and win over USC came on the same day back in 1915. The Trojans played host to the at-the-time Oregon Webfoots and quickly became accustomed to talented football from the Pacific Northwest.
1. 2020 Pac-12 Championship Game (Los Angeles, CA) Oregon Ducks: 31 No. 13 USC Trojans: 24 Oregon’s most recent game against the Trojans comes in at the fondest memory on our list. It was actually Washington that had earned the right to represent the north in the championship. A COVID-19 outbreak allowed Oregon to step into a game that it shouldn’t have been in and the nation didn’t think it could win. But even as heavy underdogs, without a crowd and in enemy territory, the Ducks stepped up. Specifically the defense. Led by Kayvon Thibodeaux (who won game MVP), Oregon forced three Trojan turnovers en route to the first back-to-back conference championship in program history. Oregon quarterbacks Tyler Shough and Anthony Brown each recorded two touchdown strikes while Mario Cristobal’s defense limited USC to a season-low 24 points. Ending the perfect season of a highly-ranked conference foe in what could be the final matchup between the two schools gives ample reason for this game to be Oregon’s fondest memory against USC.
4. 2018: Chip Kelly’s Return to Autzen (Eugene, OR) Oregon Ducks: 42 UCLA Bruins: 21 This game was one of the more sentimental games in recent Ducks history. Chip Kelly coached with Oregon from 2007 until the 2012 season. As a head coach in Eugene, he led the Ducks to four BCS games. After a brief stint in the NFL, Kelly returned to the Pac-12 to coach the Bruins. In his first game back at Autzen Stadium, he was met with an overwhelming homecoming. In a season that Oregon football is happy to forget, the highlight of the 8-4 season may have been the offensive onslaught over UCLA. Dillon Mitchell pulled in 156 yards and two touchdowns from Justin Herbert (remember him?) as Oregon handed UCLA a bitter road loss and sent Kelly’s new team to 2-7. The win also made Oregon bowl eligible for the 2018 season, which concluded with a Redbox Bowl win over Michigan State.
In a season where Oregon only lost two games and surrendered 53 total points, one of five Webfoot shutouts came over newly acquainted USC. It was the beginning of a solid history between teams that would go on to become Pac-12 powerhouses. The first matchup, contest and beatdown of a rivalry that’s seen 61 games since seems fitting to mention as Oregon bids farewell to USC.
REMEMBERING OREGON FOOTBALL’S TOP FIVE GAMES AGAINST UCLA AND USC
GAMEDAY
3. 1915 First Game Against USC (Los Angeles, CA) Oregon Webfoots: 34 USC Trojans: 0
2. 2011 Pac-12 Championship Game (Eugene, OR) No. 8 Oregon Ducks: 49 UCLA Bruins: 31 Oregon’s conference championship win over UCLA also seems perfectly fitting to rise up in the rankings. In the inaugural season of the Pac-12 (formerly the Pac-10), Oregon boasted a 7-1 conference record and earned the chance to host the Pac-12 championship game in beautiful Autzen Stadium. In front of the home fans, the Ducks rolled past the Bruins to win their first Pac-12 title and third consecutive conference championship.
PAGE 12 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2O22
Earlier in 2022, longtime Pac-12 competitors USC and UCLA announced their intentions to leave the Pac-12 and join the Big Ten. Barring a possible Pac-12 expansion, the western-most Power 5 conference is shrinking, and the Southern California schools that have provided such entertainment to the Conference of Champions for over 100 years will be taking countless high strung, heartbreaking and electric memories with them. It seems only fitting to recall some of Oregon’s finest moments and games against the two teams.
Ducks safety Jamal Hill (19) tackles a Trojan. Oregon Ducks football take on USC Trojans in the Pac-12 Championship game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif., on Dec. 18, 2020. (Maddie Knight/Emerald)
5. 2010: Oregon stomps UCLA to remain undefeated (Eugene, OR) No. 2 Oregon Ducks: 60 UCLA Bruins: 13 Wrapping up the list is a game that stands as Oregon’s largest margin of victory over the Bruins. Led by Darron Thomas, who threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, the Ducks put up their 10th-highest point total ever against a Pac-12 team and the highest over UCLA. In front of a packed Autzen Stadium, the No. 2 ranked Ducks flocked over the 3-3 Bruins. Scoring double-digit points in each quarter, Oregon remained undefeated on the season. The 60 points scored on that October night were the most that the Ducks tallied in a Pac-12 conference game during a dream season that earned Oregon its first national championship appearance. While USC and UCLA take their money, talent, history and programs to the Big Ten, memories of Pac-12 matchups will remain throughout the conference, and especially in Eugene.
Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas threw a trio of touchdown passes and LaMicheal James, who went on to win game MVP, rushed for over 200 yards and three scores of his own. UCLA leaves the Conference of Champions having never won a Pac-12 title of its own. Oregon has four, more than USC and UCLA combined.
BY BRADY RUTH
It hasn’t been to the likes of Georgia or Alabama, but the NFL has received an influx of Oregon alumni in recent years. Duck fans have heard “from the University of Oregon” out of Roger Goodell’s mouth in the last three draft classes. The current Duck roster is about halfway through the first Dan Lanning fall camp and has plenty of promising NFL talent as well. With less than a month until Lanning’s return to Athens, let’s look at some of the former Ducks who have set the foundation for Oregon football.
The most recent Oregon draft selection was Thibodeaux, who went to the New York Giants with the fifth overall pick. His high school stardom carried over near-perfectly in Eugene as he became an instant threat on the defensive line. In his two and a half seasons, he had over 35 tackles for loss and 19 sacks. The production looks to again transfer to the next level, but so far he has not seen much preseason action. In the Giants’ second game, he left with a sprained MCL, which will likely keep him out for three to four weeks.
Many schools have more alumni in the NFL than the Ducks, but not many have two that will likely be starting quarterbacks in 2022. Expected to be back in the head position is Marcus Mariota, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons in the offseason. Oregon fans need no introduction to the former Heisman trophy winner who was selected with the second pick in the 2015 draft. Oregon’s leading passer has not translated as nicely to the NFL as Herbert has, but with a new opportunity in Atlanta, he could regain his success. His best NFL season was in 2016 when he had 28 touchdowns and a careerhigh 3,426 passing yards. He took the Titans to the playoffs in 2017 but has since been on a decline. A consistent starting role has been an enigma in recent years, but with a new two-year, $18.75 million dollar deal under his belt and only a rookie to compete against, 2022 will mark the return of Mariota.
Jevon Holland
Former Ducks left their mark on the 2021 NFL draft with five players selected overall. Sewell led the way with Jevon Holland quickly following behind in the second round. He was recognized as a top rookie at the end of the year, making the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) NFL All-Rookie Team. At Oregon, it was the interceptions and tackles that flew off the stat sheet. Those numbers remained impressive in the NFL (two interceptions, 69 tackles), but sacks were also added to his game, finishing with 2.5. It has been reported that Holland intercepted Tua Tagovailoa three times in just a two-practice span. Safe to say he’s ready for year two.
Marcus Mariota
The NFL will surely be in the future for key members of the current Oregon roster. The most likely to be drafted is Noah Sewell, who is coming off of a dominant season roaming the middle. The Sewell name quickly became a dynasty in Eugene with Penei making his mark just a couple of years ago. His dominance was on the opposite end of his younger brother, as he took home the Outland Trophy given to the nation’s best interior lineman. He was taken with the seventh pick in the 2021 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions and had a promising rookie season. On the worst team in the NFL, he was a bright spot including a five-game span only allowing five quarterback pressures and zero sacks. The Detroit roster has developed well in the offseason and the production from Sewell should head in the same direction.
One of the more unlikely pro ducks with NFL success has been Juwan Johnson. The former Penn State and Oregon wide receiver went undrafted in 2020 after his final season in Eugene did not entice any teams to use a draft selection on him. That season was only eight games long and granted him 467 yards along with four touchdowns. Since then, he was picked up by the New Orleans Saints and has moved positions. The big frame made for a relatively quick transition to the tight end position where he has played the last two years. He broke out in 2021 snagging four touchdowns and has reportedly improved on the blocking end this offseason.
One player who could really have a breakout season this year is Deommodore Lenoir. The second-year cornerback did not receive a lot of experience in his rookie season but has done well with his limited opportunities in practice and preseason. At Oregon, he was a four-year starter alongside Thomas Graham Jr. who now plays for the Chicago Bears. His six interceptions and tackle-filled collegiate resume got him selected in the fifth round of the 2021 draft. The upcoming season allows him an even greater chance to get playing time with a larger opening in San Francisco’s roster. According to a tweet, 49ers defensive coordinator Demeco Ryans was fine with the departure of veteran defensive back Darqueze Dennard because of the progress from his younger core, Lenoir included.
Penei Sewell
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 13 GAMEDAY
Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) pounds his chest in celebration. Oregon Ducks football takes on Utah for the Pac 12 Championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Dec. 6, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Justin Herbert Out of everyone on this list, it should be no secret that Justin Herbert will likely have a productive season. He is approaching his third year in the NFL after being selected with the sixth pick in the 2020 draft. At Oregon, he was a four-year starter and finished with the second-most passing yards in school history, and he continues to dominate at the next level. With the Los Angeles Chargers, he has broken many records, including most passing yards and total touchdowns in a quarterback’s first two seasons. He just missed the playoffs in 2021 with a 9-8 record and over 5,000 passing yards. His team is overall much better than a year ago, so another career year should be expected for Herbert.
PRO DUCKS HEADLINING THE 2022 NFL SEASON
Juwan Johnson
Deommodore Lenoir
Legendary Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota makes an appearance at the game. Oregon Ducks Football takes on the University of Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 16, 2019. (Connor Cox/Emerald)
Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert looks to stiff arm a defender as he runs for a TD. Oregon Ducks football takes on Wisconsin for the 106th Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2020. (DL Young/Emerald)
BY JACOB HAMRE With Plenty of Oregon alumni in the NFL, who has the best chance to shine?
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Prized transfer cornerback Christian Gonzalez will be tasked with shutting down Hall’s top target, Puka Nacua (former University of Washington receiver) who led them in receiving last season. This is a game that Oregon absolutely can’t overlook, or they will find themselves in a dog fight.
Another matchup that Oregon can’t overlook is the Golden Bears. The Bears haven’t had a winning season under coach Justin Wilcox since 2019, but the last time the Bears hosted the Ducks, Cal came out on top. Oregon should blow this game open by halftime with the proper intensity and desire to bury their opponent. Week 10 at Colorado, November 5
Week 8 vs UCLA, October 22
Yet again, the Ducks will face an opponent that they should dominate, after Colorado lost its top corner (Gonzalez), receiver (Brendan Rice), running back (Jarek Broussard) and linebacker (Nate Landman). The run out of Ralphie the Buffalo is one of the most unique entrances in the nation, so Oregon will have to be dialed in for all 60 minutes. Look for the Ducks to run and pass all over the new look Buffaloes defense, who only return four starters.
The Ducks will travel to a hostile Pullman, Washington, environment. Washington State has spoiled Oregon’s season in the past, and with former Incarnate Word quarterback Cameron Ward now under center for the Cougars, they’ll be looking to do it again. It will be interesting how the Ducks perform in their first away game of the season, and how Ward responds to the speed and scheme(s) of the Power Five level.
Week 5 vs Stanford, October 1 This is one Oregon has certainly circled on its calendar after the Cardinal served the Ducks their first loss of last season. Now, Stanford will come to a raucous Autzen Stadium and try to play spoiler again. The Ducks should be well-prepared for this matchup since their schedule is difficult from the start. Stanford only returns four starters on defense; look for offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham to chalk up a game plan that exposes the Cardinals and leads the Ducks to victory.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 15 GAMEDAY
Week 1 at Georgia, September 3 Head coach Dan Lanning will march the Ducks into a sold out Mercedes Benz Stadium to take on his former squad in the Georgia Bulldogs. This season opener will be an electric atmosphere as the Ducks will be looking to set the tone for this season, while Georgia will begin its national title defense. Oregon quarterback Bo Nix has yet to be named the starter, but given his three years of experience in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the former Auburn signal caller is familiar with this opponent and provides the Ducks a great chance of winning this game. Aside from limiting turnovers on offense, the matchups between the Oregon linebackers and safeties versus the Georgia tight ends will be entertaining to watch — and will decide who comes out victorious.
Week 6 at Arizona, October 8
Week 7, Idle Oregon has its rest week halfway through the regular season.
With last season in the rearview and a new coaching staff in place, the Ducks have light at the end of their tunnel— the 2022 season. Let’s check out Oregon’s 2022 schedule and analyze their opponents.
Week 11 vs Washington, November 12
This event is always a fun one, when legendary Ducks coach Chip Kelly faces the program he led while revolutionizing college football with his interpretation of the spread offense. Last year’s matchup resulted in a three-point victory for Oregon. The Ducks will have their hands full with the returning backfield of dual-threat quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and bruising runner Zach Charbonnet. Look for defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi to etch out a plan to eliminate the run game and force Thompson-Robinson to throw from the pocket.
Week 3 vs BYU, September 17 BYU and Oregon haven’t matched up since the 2006 Las Vegas Bowl, but BYU is still on a 5-0 win streak against the conference. The Ducks will look to cease that record by rattling veteran quarterback Jaren Hall with pressure and defensive formations to confuse the opposition.
After pulling off one of the greatest wins in program history against Ohio State on the road, the 2021 Oregon Ducks football team never seemed to achieve that same level of dominance for the rest of the season. It lost its last two games by double-digits to the Utah Utes in the Pac-12 championship game and the Oklahoma Sooners in the Valero Alamo Bowl.
HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF THE DUCKS’ 2022 SCHEDULE THE NEW LOOK DUCKS FARE UNDER DAN LANNING?
HOW WILL
Week 4 at Washington State, September 23
So, the Ducks will have to be focused and well-conditioned in this new climate as the Wildcats look to reestablish themselves as a football power in the conference.
Week 2 vs Eastern Washington, September 10 After their showdown with Georgia, the Ducks will return to Autzen for their home opener against Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) powerhouse Eastern Washington University (EWU). The last time these programs met, Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams faced his former squad in his first season with the Ducks and led them to a 61-42 victory. Seven years later, there are new faces representing both schools. Oregon will look to dominate this game from beginning to end so it can rest its starters in the fourth quarter.
Back on the road again, the Ducks will travel to the southwest desert to take on a Jedd Fisch coached team for the second season in a row. Arizona figures to have a high octane offense with the additions of Washington State transfer quarterback Jayden de Laura (Freshman Player of the Year), UTEP transfer receiver Jacob Cowing, and former Oregon 4-star commit Tetairoia McMillan, among others.
Week 9 at California, October 29
Perhaps the nastiest rival in the conference, the new-look Washington Huskies will trot into Autzen Stadium with a vengeance under new head coach Kalen Deboer. Deboer is already familiar with the Ducks’ roster as he faced them last season as head coach of Fresno State. However, this Oregon team will have a fresh scheme and several new starters. Oregon also went into a storming Seattle and won a dog fight 26-16. Look for this one to come down to the wire, as it did in 2018 when CJ Verdell scored a walk-off rush touchdown to send the Huskies in defeat. Week 12 vs Utah, November 19 This is another one Oregon has likely circled a couple times, as Utah embarrassed the Ducks twice in three weeks last year. The reigning Pac-12 champ will have to replace its leader on defense after the departure of All-American linebacker Devin Lloyd, but it’ll return its best players on offense at quarterback, running back and tight ends. Now with Oregon sporting home field, the Ducks will look to shut down running back Tavion Thomas, who ran all over them for a combined 157 yards and five touchdowns in their two matchups last season. Week 13 at Oregon State, November 25 Lanning’s first meeting in the newly renamed Oregon Classic should be a fun one — as most rivalries are. In Corvallis this year, Oregon will look to close its regular season out strong with a victory on the road. This matchup might not be as lopsided as some might think, based on a tough battle with Utah and state bragging rights on the line. Look for the Ducks’ defense to be a dominant force against the Beavers to handle. The skyis the limit for this roster as they return 14 starters and many experienced players thrown into the fire the last couple seasons. With the combination of a new regime and culture, this season has the makings of an all-time one. Oregon will kick this season off in the Mercedes Benz Stadium versus the Georgia Bulldogs at 12:30 p.m. on September 3.
HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF THE DUCKS’ 2022 SCHEDULE
BY KEIJI PATTERSON (Maddie Knight/Emerald)
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