Oregon Football: 3 true freshmen who could start in 2021

May 1, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) makes a catch in front of corner back Jaylin Davies (6) during Oregon Spring Game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2021; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) makes a catch in front of corner back Jaylin Davies (6) during Oregon Spring Game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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A year before Oregon landed Kelvin Banks Jr., there was another five-star offensive lineman committing to the Ducks. Kingsley Suamataia was the highest-ranked commit in Oregon’s 2021 class and he enrolled early this past semester, showing that he could compete at the highest level in the spring game.

Suamataia was the No. 6 offensive tackle in the 2021 class and No. 35 overall composite recruit and he chose the Ducks over almost three dozen other programs. Could this be the Penei Sewell effect? Probably, but Oregon is quickly becoming ‘OLU’ and Suamataia is next up.

Sewell’s departure could open a hole on that offensive line even though he opted out of the 2020 season. He’s currently projected to back up seventh-year (not a typo) senior George Moore at left tackle but this could be a winnable job, especially if the veteran can’t stay healthy.

I wouldn’t be all that shocked if Suamataia impressed the coaching staff enough to earn a starting job at some point this fall and I’d almost write it down as a lock that he starts at least a few games for the Ducks in 2021.

Suamataia has future first-rounder written all over him.