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Oregon Football: 3 newcomers who’ll have the biggest impacts in 2021

By Connor Muldowney

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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Oregon receiver Dont’e Thornton, left, and Josh Delgado celebrate a second half touchdown during the Oregon Spring Football game at Autzen Stadium.Eug 050121 Uo Springfb 13
Oregon receiver Dont’e Thornton, left, and Josh Delgado celebrate a second half touchdown during the Oregon Spring Football game at Autzen Stadium.Eug 050121 Uo Springfb 13 /

You shouldn’t be all that surprised to see Dont’e Thornton on this list, especially since he looked like a future superstar receiver in the spring game.

The freshman wide out might currently be “buried” on the depth chart, probably running third-string right now, but I don’t see that holding up all season. He has too much size and talent to be riding the bench when he could probably be a starting receiver on most Power Five rosters.

Thornton stands nearly 6-foot-5 and weighs in at just under 200 pounds so he’s going to be an issue for opposing defensive backs. He showed that in the spring game against the best Oregon’s defense had to offer.

Brian Dohn’s comparison on 247Sports should have Ducks fans very intrigued as he listed Kenny Golladay as the closest NFL receiver to Thornton. That bodes well for the young freshman wide out. If he’s anything like Golladay, he’s going to be a nightmare for opposing defensive backs with his size and ability to go up and get the ball. Winning 50/50 battles will be key here.

I think Thornton’s size and athleticism combo will keep him on the field for a while and he should be a red-zone threat for the Ducks this season. I could see him racking up touchdowns.

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