3 Oregon football players who saved their roster spot for 2024

Tez Johnson

Johnson transferred to the Ducks’ roster after his Sophomore season at Troy. As Bo Nix’s adoptive brother, Nix was adamant that Johnson would be an incredible asset for Oregon’s receiving core.

Lanning brought him onto his squad and Johnson was boasting at least one reception in 33 consecutive games.

When the season started, ESPN immediately started reporting on the Ducks’ newest receiver, Johnson receiving a lot of attention due to his connection with the Nix family.

However, his connection with Nix was lacking on the field.

Through the first four games of the season, Johnson only had 15 receptions for 203 yards and three touchdowns. He had been sent out to return a handful of kicks and punts but struggled to convert those into any additional yardage.

When the Ducks faced Stanford at the end of September, Johnson had 0 receptions, 0 yards, and 0 touchdowns. 

Something had to change.

Nix and Johnson were seen together on the sidelines throughout every single game in the 2023 season and it seemed like the brothers finally found their rhythm when Oregon traveled to Seattle.

Against UW, Johnson had seven receptions for 71 yards. While he didn’t score, Duck fans saw the light at the end of the tunnel for the brotherly duo.

By the end of the season, Johnson was averaging at least one touchdown and collecting triple-digit yardage in games. After his appearance versus Liberty, he had earned 172 yards and one touchdown through 11 receptions.

His growth in just one season truly helped save Johnson’s starting spot on the roster when he announced he would be coming back for his senior year.

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