Oregon Football: 3 most important newcomers for spring 2021

Mario Cristobal is looking to have a big spring with no negative developments like injuries or surprise transfers and outside of a few departures and a couple of injuries, it’s been all positive thus far.

The Ducks are bringing in the No. 6 recruiting class in the country and a good chunk of them have enrolled early and are already preparing to compete for a spot on the depth chart this spring.

Oregon hasn’t landed any transfers yet surprisingly, but that could change. But Cristobal likes what he has returning as well as what’s coming in with the No. 6 recruiting class in the country. In fact, the Ducks will field one of the most talented teams in school history in 2021.

Which early enrolled newcomers will crack that two-deep with a big spring and have a major impact on the Ducks this fall?

Depth at linebacker has taken a big hit this offseason with departures but the Ducks have guys like Justin Flowe, Isaac Slade-Matautia, Noah Sewell, Mase Funa and now even Kayvon Thibodeaux has been standing up as a linebacker on the defensive side of the ball.

But the depth took a slight hit anyways even though those four guys might make up one of the best linebacking units in the Pac-12.

Add Keith Brown to the mix and you have a legit two-deep with about 5-6 players, at least, who could potentially start. The local kid committed to Oregon over a dozen other potential suitors and the Ducks continue to keep the best in-state prospects in Eugene.

Brown should get plenty of reps this spring with all of the attrition and he could push guys like Jackson LaDuke and Adrian Jackson for a spot on the two-deep come fall.

It’s important that he progresses and makes a push for a spot on the depth chart because of all the departures at the linebacker position this offseason.