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Oregon Football: Top 3 spring 2021 breakout candidates

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Mycah Pittman (4) is tackled by Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Datrone Young (2) in the first half of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Mycah Pittman (4) is tackled by Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Datrone Young (2) in the first half of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mario Cristobal has assembled quite the roster heading into spring camp and it could be argued that Oregon football’s outlook for the upcoming season is as good as any in the nation.

The Ducks are bringing back one of the most impressive rosters in the country, led by a loaded backfield and receiving corps, reloading offensive line, strong quarterback battle and plenty of key pieces on the defensive side of the ball such as Kayvon Thibodeaux and Noah Sewell. The Ducks are also bringing in the sixth-best recruiting class in the country.

All-in-all, Oregon could be on the verge of a huge season in the Pac-12 and could finally push for a playoff spot.

While there are plenty of returning stars, which lesser-talked about players could become breakout players this spring?

A former five-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class, Dontae Manning was dinged up a bit during last year’s COVID-19 shortened season and appeared in just one game. With Deommodore Lenoir and Thomas Graham Jr. both gone, though, he’ll need to step it up.

Manning came in expecting to play right away and injuries forced him to take a back seat but now that he’s healthy and playing a position of need, we should see plenty of him.

Oregon’s 12th all-time signee should be ready to go and I could see him beating out a guy like Jordan Happle for the starting job opposite Mykael Wright. The potential for him to be one of the lockdown corners in the Pac-12 is there, but he just needs to stay healthy.

We should see a big spring from Manning followed by a breakout 2021 season.

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