The Oregon Ducks are almost back on the field, and personally, I can't wait. It's been a long offseason, looking ahead, analyzing the roster, seeing the reports out of camp, and seeing the Ducks garnering a world of buzz in the preseason rankings and award watch lists.
It's time to put all of that behind us. It's time for the games to count. It's time for the expectations to be realized.
For Oregon, there's tons of talented playmakers getting a ton of love, like quarterback Dillon Gabriel , the Heisman Trophy favorite, and transfer portal addition wide receiver Evan Stewart , who I believe will show up as one of the top wide receivers in the country this year. Who are the players that everyone is sleeping on? Who has a chance to show up in 2024? Here are three options
Elijah Rushings, DE
The defensive line is full of talent, namely locked in starters Jordan Burch and Matayo Uiagalelei , but that doesn't mean that there isn't an opportunity for depth guys to make an impact.
Enter Elijah Rushings, Oregon's top 2024 commit and a true freshman. He was ranked as the third-best edge rusher in the country coming out of high school, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him earn minutes rotating in as the season wears on. Barring injury, I don't see a path to Rushings getting starting minutes, but his talent is undeniable and he will introduce himself to Ducks fans and Big Ten quarterbacks very soon.
Noah Whittington, RB
Jordan James is getting his flowers (), and rightly so. He figures to get the first crack at the backfield and looked explosive and very promising in his reps last year. Behind James, though, is Noah Whittington, who is working his way back from an early season-ending ACL injury last year.
Whittington is healthy and has been looking explosive in practices this summer. Early last year, Whittington had 224 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns on 30 touches, showcasing his explosive big-play ability. He has plenty of opportunities to contribute in this offense this year, and could be a valuable piece of what Oregon looks to accomplish on the ground and through the air.
Iapani Laloulu, C
Oregon has had a stalwart at center for the last three years in Jackson Powers-Johnson, who heard his name called in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. Next man up at the position is Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu, who has drawn plenty of praise throughout Fall Camp.
"There's a lot that he's learned over the past six or seven months, but he's done a hell of a job. I think his physicality up front is something I'm really excited about come fall," Ducks offensive coordinator Will Stein said about Laloulu.
Currently, the Ducks are dealing with an injury at right guard, as Matthew Bedford is dealing with a knee injury that could keep him sidelined. Laloulu might slide to right guard, with Charlie Pickard at center. It still remains to be seen, but either way, Laloulu is slated to make an impact on the starting offensive line.
Related: Former Oregon Ducks Heisman Trophy finalist named Week 1 starter in rookie season for Denver Broncos
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp , as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.
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