The Oregon Ducks lost who was believed to be their top receiver heading into 2025 back in early June when Evan Stewart suffered a significant injury that will put him out for the entire season. Although, Ducks' receivers coach Ross Douglas recently explained to reporters why he's still extremely confident in his position group.
"We're going to put the best players on the field that help us score as many points as possible," Douglas said (h/t 247sports). "I'm not afraid to rotate guys. If they play winning football and help Oregon win games every single Saturday, then they're going to play.
"Whether that's three people, whether that's seven people, it doesn't matter. If you can help us win games, then you'll play. A lot of guys are going to get the opportunity to step up and be able to do their thing."
The Ducks' receiving room consists of a mix of experienced players and young, talented players. Oregon's lone true senior is Malik Benson, who Douglas noted has gotten better every day and loves to work.
"He adds a speed element to our offense and he can do a lot of things. He can run short to intermediate and deep routes. He’s an older guy. He’s actually played 787 snaps in his career between Florida State and Alabama," Douglas said (h/t On3). "He’ll be a positive contributor to this team and I love working with him."
The other Ducks' senior is redshirt Gary Bryant Jr., who will be one of Oregon's leaders in the room in 2025. That leadership is what Douglas appreciates most, setting an example for his teammates.
"He knows how to practice. He’s the same guy every single day. Every morning I wake up, I look at GB, I know exactly what I’m going to get. That’s never gonna change with him, so it’s just consistency and the professionalism that is very key to myself as a coach and to our room," Douglas said. "'Cause they can look up to him and see he does everything right. He does it the right way and kind of follow his lead.'”
One of those receivers watching Bryant's lead will be freshman phenom Dakorien Moore. The five-star prospect was a top 10 player in the country and the top receiver in the nation coming out of high school. Moore's drive to get better stood out as soon as he arrived on campus.
"I just think the want to and the desire to be a good football player. I think it’s there. He’s gotten better as training camp’s went on and really ever since he’s been on campus," Douglas said. "He’s a great kid, very curious, wants to be good, practices hard, very competitive. He’s gonna be a very, very good player for Oregon and hopefully he contributes a lot this year.”
DAKORIEN MOORE ARE YOU SERIOUS?!
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 18, 2025
1 HANDED CATCH OVER 2 DEFENDERS + YAC 🤯🤯🤯https://t.co/N7cnoc8et2 pic.twitter.com/S2vCKcO0EO
Oregon also has two redshirt freshman in Dillon Gresham and Jeremiah McClellan, who could earn increased roles in 2025.
“I see two young players who are getting a lot better. I think Dillon Gresham’s one of our strongest receivers. Jmac, he’s improved his play style. He’s playing more aggressive, more physical and really more confident," Douglas said. "But I think confidence has been key for both of those guys. They’re more confident players now and it’s showing on the practice field.”
The Ducks receiver room will look a lot different in 2025, with Tez Johnson gone and Stewart out with injury. However, Douglas is confident in the guys behind them to step up and prove they can be the next stars in Eugene, Oregon.