10 greatest Oregon football players from the Mario Cristobal era

Jevon Holland

The safety played two seasons with the Ducks in which he amassed nine interceptions and 110 total tackles. Holland even racked up 244 yards through 17 punt returns for Oregon. 

He was the first Oregon player to lead the team in interceptions in consecutive years (2018 and 2019) since Jairus Byrd in 2006 and 2007. He was one of only four players in the FBS with four or more interceptions in 2018 and 2019.

In his sophomore year, Holland was a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist which is given to the best defensive back in the nation each year.

Drafted by the Dolphins in 2021, he has been a pinnacle part of Miami’s defensive unit. Earning five career interceptions and 239 total tackles. Holland struggled with a knee strain in 2023 and had to sit out of the Dolphins’ final game of the season.

Penei Sewell

Offensive lineman Penei Sewell was one of the purest players the Ducks offense has ever seen. In his freshman year, Sewell was called for exactly 0 penalties over the 450 snaps he saw and allowed only one sack on his quarterback, Justin Herbert.

His sophomore year saw a seemingly endless stream of awards head his way. Named the Outland Trophy winner, the Polynesian College Football Co-Player of the Year, the Morris Trophy winner, and the AP Pac-12 Co-Offensive Player of the Year; Sewell’s greatness didn’t go unrecognized.

In 2019, Sewell even got to handle the ball and had a one-yard rush for the Ducks’ offense in their game against the Utah Utes.

Professionally, Sewell’s light has shined even brighter. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2021, he has had an outstanding three years in the league. The Duck has started in every single game that the Lions have had since he joined the 53-man roster.

2022 saw the lineman back to his offensive trickery as he caught a pass on third-and-7 to move the chains and keep the Lions’ offense on the field.

The Lions are currently moving on from the Wild Card round and will see the Eagles or the Buccaneers in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.