'One of our best': Dan Lanning lauds Terrance Ferguson's influence on Oregon football

Terrance Ferguson has a very real chance to once again make a rather significant impact on the Oregon Ducks football team this season and his head coach sure seems proud of the way the talented tight end influences his team. During Big Ten Media Days, Ferguson was one of the three Oregon football players present to represent the Ducks and Dan Lanning heaved some significant praise towards the tight end.

Ferguson is once again emerging as a key player for the Oregon Ducks and Lanning took the chance to express some very real excitement about the way Ferguson returned to Oregon for another season. 

“Terrance Ferguson here, a tight end, a guy that certainly had a decision after the season whether he wanted to return or not or have the opportunity to go into the NFL," Lanning stated. 

Of course, as it played out, Ferguson returned and Lanning sure seems pretty happy about that as he also highlighted the tight end’s leadership and work ethic. 

“The job he has done this off-season, the work that he's put in, the leadership role he provides for that tight end room but for our offense and our team has been amazing," Lanning explained.

Oregon football: Dan Lanning thrilled that Terrance Ferguson returned to Ducks for one more season

It should be noted that having an athlete with as much leadership experience as Ferguson does is a pretty big deal for a team that is aiming to contend for a national title this year. That’s especially true when considering the way the Oregon football team is also having to replace quarterback Bo Nix from last season.

Dillon Gabriel is great, I’m not trying to take anything away from him, but having a sense of continuity on offense is going to be helpful as the Ducks make the move into the Big Ten this season. And Ferguson can provide that.

Lanning highlighted the sort of intensity that Ferguson also brings to practice. 

“One of the things I really love about him, is when we go out to the practice field and his foot steps inside that white line, he's running. He attacks every day with vigor," Lanning said. 

A commitment to excellence is a good thing to have and that level of dedication and energy will certainly help Oregon this year. If nothing else, having an active and remarkably talented tight end will make things easier for the aforementioned Gabriel as he continues to get more familiar with Eugene and the Ducks.

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