Oregon Football: Quick thoughts on first depth chart of 2021

Oregon's Trikweze Bridges (No. 11), left, is a likely candidate to fill a slot on defense after two players were suspended from the defense.Euyg 081421 Uo Defense 01
Oregon's Trikweze Bridges (No. 11), left, is a likely candidate to fill a slot on defense after two players were suspended from the defense.Euyg 081421 Uo Defense 01

It’s officially game week which means that Oregon football fans are wondering what the depth chart will look like when the Ducks take the field on Saturday against Fresno State.

We already heard about the most important position battle being decided as Mario Cristobal named Anthony Brown his starting quarterback just last week, but what about the other groups which were being watched closely?

Well, on Monday afternoon, the Ducks released their first “organizational chart” of the season which is basically a nicer way of saying depth chart.

And there were some interesting decisions at some crucial positions.

We clearly see Brown as the starting quarterback but the order of backups is interesting despite there being an ‘or’ there.

Interesting notes from first Oregon football depth chart

There were a number of things that stood out to me. I’ll do my best to list them off.

  • Ty Thompson is listed as the second quarterback on the depth chart despite being an ‘or’ with Jay Butterfield and Robby Ashford.
  • CJ Verdell and Travis Dye are listed as co-starters at running back. Interesting that there’s no ‘or’ there, just two starters. Also, no sign of Sean Dollars yet.
  • Moliki Matavao must have been impressive this fall because he’s listed as the top ‘Y’ tight end option. Terrance Ferguson has climbed to the backup tight end role behind Spencer Webb.
  • Mycah Pittman is listed as an ‘or’ at H receiver with Jaylon Redd.
  • Troy Franklin is at X receiver with Isaah Crocker and Devon Williams behind him.
  • No true surprises on the offensive line.
  • Dru Mathis is listed as the starting Will linebacker with Justin Flowe as the ‘or’ right behind him.
  • Mase Funa is listed as the starter at Sam with Adrian Jackson right behind him.
  • No sign of Jamal Hill or DJ James obviously because of their suspensions so Bennett Williams gets the start at Star and Trikweze Bridges and Dontae Manning will be splitting duties at cornerback.
  • Mykael Wright and Kris Hutson are the kick returners and Mycah Pittman is the primary punt returner.

A lot of interesting developments on the opening depth chart. What surprised you the most?

Schedule

Schedule