5 True Freshmen who stood out in Oregon's blowout win over Portland State

The Oregon Ducks were given the opportunity to work through any issues that have plagued them in the first two weeks of the season in a matchup with Portland State. The game provided the team a chance to jump on the Vikings early, allowing the starters to end their nights at halftime getting extra rest before the start of Big Ten play next weekend. Coming off a loss, an easy environment to work through certain issues was much needed, even if it didn't provide the Ducks with a test.

When the starters left the game, it almost became more exciting as Oregon fans finally got to take a look at some of the elite recruits Dan Lanning and the staff signed in recent years as they made their debuts. Oregon's latest recruiting class was on full display on Friday Night, and the early returns look like the Ducks have a great young core to continue building the program with.

The 5 best freshman performances from Oregon's blowout win

Brandon Smith - Running Back

In a blowout win, there's no reason to put extra mileage on the starting running backs, and Oregon quickly started to rotate backs in with Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. True Freshman Brandon Smith was a late addition to Oregon's class, but he drew rave reviews all offseason. On Friday Night, Smith showed plenty to be excited about with 14 carries for 60 yards, and a touchdown as he may factor into the backfield the rest of the season.

Davon Benjamin - STAR

Brandon Finney Jr. moved inside to start this game at STAR, but once the starters left the game, it allowed Davon Benjamin to gain more experience. The true freshman made an impact in the third quarter, coming away with his first career interception. While the Ducks may have found a great new look with Finney inside, both Davon Benjamin and Carl Williams IV are going to be important the rest of the way.

Jett Washington - Safety

When Jett Washington missed his first career tackle, he must've been dealing with jitters ahead of his first game in Autzen Stadium. From that point on, Washington was incredible, with two diving interceptions on back-to-back drives. Oregon has a solid group of veteran safeties, but Washington is going to be hard to keep off the field as he continues to gain experience.

Kendre Harrison - Tight End

Jamari Johnson was out with an injury, and while Andrew Olesh got the start, everyone will go home talking about Kendre Harrison. The 5-star freshman showed his freak athletic ability, finishing the game with 4 catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. The lone concern is that late in the 3rd quarter Kendre Harrison appeared to get injured on a play, and he limped his way back into the locker room at the start of the 4th quarter.

Messiah Hampton - Wide Receiver

Jeremiah McClellan missed this game with a foot injury, and Messiah Hampton decided to pick up where he left off last weekend. Hampton is building a quick chemistry with Dante Moore as the two connected for Hampton's first career touchdown. The true freshman was electric in this game, catching 6 passes for 71 yards and a pair of touchdowns, as he looks like the true WR4 for the Ducks.

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