The 2020 season was unfortunate for many reasons. For one, a lot of teams were unable to reach their full potential in a COVID-19-shortened schedule. And two, certain players who were hoping to improve their draft stock didn’t have enough of a sample size to do so.
A perfect example of both of those would have to be Oregon, which got hot at the end of the year, and both CJ Verdell and Travis Dye in the run game.
The one-two punch was coming off a big season in 2019, combining for just under 2,000 yards and eight touchdowns. They looked like serious pro prospects in the backfield and with an impressive 2020 season, they could have been Day 2 or Day 3 picks. But they only appeared in a handful of games, combining for just over 700 yards and four scores.
Both Dye and Verdell chose to return for another season in Eugene in 2021 and they’ll be joined by a highly-touted four-star back in Seven McGee from New York.
Don’t sleep on this backfield
Who will lead the Oregon football rushing attack?
When you look at the leading rushers in the Pac-12 by team, you’d see Arizona State leading the way, but the Sun Devils played just four games. They’ll still have one of the best attacks in the conference for 2021 because both leading rushers and dual-threat Jayden Daniels return.
But the Nos. 2-5 teams are losing some major pieces.
That opens the door for the Ducks to rise up and become the top rushing team in the conference. With Dye and Verdell back and McGee coming in, also with the potential of a running quarterback in Anthony Brown, the Ducks could be the most prolific run team in the conference. And they should be.
Even if Ty Thompson or Jay Butterfield win the starting quarterback job, both are athletic options would may not be legit dual-threats, but can create with their legs.
Verdell and Dye were considered one of the top duos in the country just a couple of years ago and still have that potential. Verdell had two straight 1,000-yard seasons on over 5.0 yards per carry before 2020 and Dye had over 650 yards while averaging over 5.3 yards per carry in his first two seasons with the Ducks. They’re the perfect 1-2 punch.
Add McGee to that mix and you have a trio of backs who could arguably be as good as any not only in the Pac-12 but in the country.
Watch out, college football, the Ducks’ offense isn’t going anywhere.