Autzen Zoo
Fansided

Oregon Football: 3 players who could improve their stock in spring game

By Connor Muldowney

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks gets a Gatorade shower at the end of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Rose Bowl on January 01, 2020 in Pasadena, California. The Oregon Ducks topped the Wisconsin Badgers, 28-27. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks gets a Gatorade shower at the end of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Rose Bowl on January 01, 2020 in Pasadena, California. The Oregon Ducks topped the Wisconsin Badgers, 28-27. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next

Everyone seems to be excited about Dontae Manning and he could eventually crack the starting lineup at the cornerback position and he’ll get a chance to show his worth on Saturday.

Throughout spring ball, he’s been impressing coaches and has even done well on special teams, but fans want to see what he can do in the defensive backfield. Sure, sometimes the key to more playing time is through special teams, but Manning is far too talented to only be playing there. He needs to be playing major snaps at corner.

The 6-foot-0, 192-pound former five-star cornerback didn’t see the field much in 2020 and that’s going to change this season. He has all the tools and just needed the opportunity.

With Thomas Graham Jr. and Deommodore Lenoir both gone, there are two vacant spots for new starters to come in and prove themselves. The early favorites to win those jobs are Mykael Wright and DJ James, but you simply cannot count Manning out.

A strong spring game and subsequent summer could have Manning sitting atop the depth chart at the cornerback spot with Wright and I think that would give the Ducks the highest ceiling.

Home/Oregon Ducks Football