USA Today had a familiar name to Oregon Fans on their annual USA Today Sports’ Freshman All-America team.
Freshman Troy Dye was everywhere on the field for the Oregon Ducks in 2016. He ended up playing in three different positions under Brady Hoke in the 4-3 scheme, but the dream of having a better Defensive unit did not come to fruition this past season.
It is somewhat of a surprise to me that Dye was recognized and on the All-America team list, but if you watched Oregon this season, the kid was everywhere on the field. He even had a ‘lower the boom’ takedown against Stanford Quarterback Keller Chryst that could end up being in consideration for the Ducks’ Defensive Play of the Year.
WinTheDay: #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/I1Ew5YRKbp
— Oregon4ru (@oregon4ru) December 12, 2016
It was not an easy season for Oregon. Offensively the team struggled with injuries and a young Offensive Line. Defensively, the team gave up more points on average than last season. Part was due to having the wrong personnel. Injuries and suspensions also played a part on Defense.
Next: Oregon Football: Willie Taggart Brings New Energy To Ducks
A total of five athletes made the list from the Pac-12 including Dye. Safety Taylor Rapp from Washington, Cornerback Xavier Crawford from Oregon State, Colorado Offensive Lineman Tim Lynott and California Wide Receiver Demetris Robinson.