The Oregon Ducks are almost back in action as Saturday's matchup against Boise State is finally on the horizon. Coming into the season, the Ducks are being tabbed as one of the favorites to win the National Championship, in part due to the star power returning. When you look at the likes of Dante Moore, Matayo Uiagalelei, A'Mauri Washington, Jamari Johnson, Brandon Finney Jr., and more, it's easy to see why.
Where the Ducks still need to cement their place as a true contender is by having some of the younger players step into bigger roles. Starting the season with an opponent like Boise State doesn't provide the greatest test, but it does give the Ducks a chance to start seeing what they have in younger players. This week, if all goes according to plan, it would be great to watch these 10 underclassmen get playing time.
The 10 younger Oregon Ducks who could shine in Week 1
Tommy Tofi - Offensive Line
Oregon fans may not have to wait long to see true freshman offensive lineman Tommy Tofi, as there's a great chance that he's one of the Ducks' 5 starters on the offensive line. Tofi enrolled early, and had a stellar spring, carrying the momentum into Fall camp, where he's continued to impress. The lone question may be where Tommy Tofi plays, as he's worked at both tackle and guard positions.
Jett Washington - Safety
Anytime a team signs a 5-star recruit, the fanbase wants to see them in action, and Jett Washington is that type of recruit for the Ducks. At 6-foot-5, Jett Washington brings a massive frame to the safety position with a chance to be an instant impact player for the Ducks. The Ducks are loaded at safety, but Washington's frame makes him different than anyone in the room and seeing him in action should be thrilling.
Immanuel Iheanacho - Offensive Tackle
The top signee in any freshman class always draws a ton of attention, and with the Ducks' needs on the offensive line, everyone will be interested in watching Immanuel Iheanacho. The Ducks signed Iheanacho as the 7th-ranked player in the Country, and his talent level has earned praise this Summer. Enrolling in the Summer set Iheanacho back, but if he's able to impress early, he could easily battle for a starting role.
Gatlin Bair - Wide Receiver
Oregon signed Gatlin Bair as a 5-star recruit, but the Ducks didn't get the wide receiver on campus for two years as he was serving an LDS Mission. During the offseason, Bair has shown the talent is clearly there, and now he'll look to show his ability in the games. Given that Bair has been out of football for two years, getting him back into games should be a priority early, even if this is a developmental year.
Kendre' Harrison - Tight End
Jamari Johnson is a potential 1st round pick at tight end, but the Ducks showed with Kenyon Sadiq last season that the offense can showcase several tight ends. Oregon signed 5-star Kendre Harrison as a potential two-sport freak, and he may end up having a massive role in the offense. Harrison's size and leaping ability could make him a weapon in the redzone, and it would be great to see him involved early.
Jalen Lott - Wide Receiver
The Ducks signed a 5-star athlete in Jalen Lott, who could've played safety at the college level, but joins Oregon's receiving room. While Lott enrolled in the summer, he's flashed his talent level quickly, and he's certainly going to make an impact in the receiving rotation. Getting Lott into a rhythm early will only help with keeping the entire room fresh, especially after a year where several receivers dealt with injuries.
Tank Jones - Defensive Line
With all the veterans returning on Oregon's defensive line, it's going to be hard to find constant playing time for others. This offseason, Tank Jones has shown a commitment to finding playing time regardless of role, allowing him to potentially rush from the defensive tackle position. Seeing how Jones holds up on the interior should give the Ducks an idea if he can be brought in for certain pass-rushing situations the rest of the way.
Na'eem Offord - Cornerback
The Ducks beat out Ohio State for the 12th-ranked recruit in the country, Na'eem Offord, but the emergence of Brandon Finney Jr locked down the cornerback position. Every report out of camp has been that Offord has taken a massive leap and is pushing Ify Obidegwu for a starting role. If Offord can live up to the recruiting ranking, the Ducks may have the best cornerback duo in the Country for the next two seasons.
Messiah Hampton - Wide Receiver
The talent in Oregon's wide receiver room is truly absurd, and the third freshman who will play a major role in the offense is Messiah Hampton. After posting absurd numbers in New York High School football, Hampton has arrived in Eugene and delivered on the hype. Dan Lanning talked a ton about how Hampton's come along in camp, and he should receive a fair share of playing time to start the season.
Davon Benjamin - Nickel
The Ducks' freshman class is starting to look absurd with the reports out of camp, and one of the players who's garnered constant praise is Davon Benjamin. Early in the season, it may be a battle for the starting nickel role between Davon Benjamin and Baylor transfer Carl Williams IV. Benjamin emerging early in his career would only make this secondary more exciting with all the young pieces who have shown promise.
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