Reports: Three Impression and Bold Freshmen Poised To Make Impact on 2024 Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks put together one of the nation’s top 2024 recruiting classes, solidifying their reputation as a recruiting powerhouse. With the season opener just around the corner, Oregon newcomers have been working to climb the depth chart. Which true freshmen have the potential to make a significant impact for the Ducks in the upcoming season?

EUGENE – The Oregon Ducks football team is currently ranked No. 3 in the AP Top 25. With transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel and a strong receiving group, the Ducks boast a wealth of talent on their roster. This offseason, head coach Dan Lanning and his staff focused intensely on recruiting, resulting in one of the top 2024 classes in the country and the best in the program’s history.

Oregon leads the Big Ten Conference and ranks No. 3 nationally in the 2024 recruiting standings, behind only Georgia and Alabama. With a mix of talented veterans and newcomers, which true freshmen might have the opportunity to make a significant impact for the Ducks in the 2024 season?

Aaron Flowers

Safety Aaron Flowers has set high expectations for his inaugural collegiate football season. The former 4-star recruit from Forney, Texas, has been named an On3 preseason true freshman All-American and has stood out during Oregon’s fall camp.

“He has shown continuous improvement,” said Chris Hampton, Oregon’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. “He’s more at ease now compared to the start of spring. I asked him today if he was feeling nervous, and he replied, ‘No, I haven’t felt nervous since the beginning of spring.’ That’s encouraging. Our defense is complex, and we expect a lot from these players scheme-wise. He’s really smart.”

The Texas native opted for the Ducks over schools like Oklahoma, USC, and Alabama. Coming out of high school, Flowers was ranked as the No. 4 safety in the nation and the No. 10 overall prospect in Texas. In his senior year in 2023, he recorded 73 total tackles, including 49 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, seven interceptions, and four passes defended.

With his high football IQ and impressive performance during fall camp, Flowers may earn a spot in Oregon’s defensive rotation. However, securing this position will be challenging as he’ll face competition from experienced players in the Ducks’ secondary, which will affect how quickly he can step into a starting role. Regardless, Flowers has the potential to play a key role in Oregon’s defensive strategies in the upcoming season.

Elijah Rushing

Recognized by ESPN as one of the top freshmen to watch, edge rusher Elijah Rushing is poised for a breakout debut season in 2024. The former five-star recruit and No. 26 player in the 2024 class enrolled at Oregon early, arriving in Eugene last winter. This head start has allowed for significant development, as coaches have noted his progress leading up to the new season.

“Elijah has a long frame,” said Oregon defensive line coach Tony Tuioti. “He’s still adding weight and getting stronger to improve his ability to hold the point of attack, but he also possesses some impressive pass rush skills that can benefit us. I think having him with us for the bowl game and all the reps leading into this season is really going to aid in his development.”

Oregon has a tradition of using true freshman edge rushers in the regular season. Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, and Blake Purchase all played crucial roles as true freshmen in 2023. If Rushing maintains his development and continues to progress, he may have the opportunity to join the rotation this season.

JacQawn ‘Shaq’ McRoy

Jacquan McRoy, known as Shaq because of his impressive size, is set to make an impact on Oregon’s offensive line this season. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 365 pounds, the lineman from Pinson, Alabama, committed to Oregon in July 2023, selecting the Ducks over Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Kentucky.

Not only does he possess NFL-size, but he has also impressed Oregon’s coaches with his athleticism.

“Everything is going in the right direction with Shaq,” said Oregon offensive line coach Alique Terry. “He has dedicated himself this offseason to improving his flexibility. You can see that he is becoming more comfortable with our system and the college football environment. Having him here early in the spring gave him a good start. He still needs to shed a bit more weight and enhance his flexibility, but you can see the potential he has to contribute to our team.”

Very few college football players, especially true freshmen, possess the unique combination of size and athleticism that McRoy has. If he continues to develop within Oregon’s system and familiarizes himself with the playbook, he could have a significant impact on the Ducks’ offensive line.

“There’s always a lot to learn. It reminds me of my own experience when I first arrived,” said right tackle Ajani Cornelius about McRoy. “You start without much knowledge and learn gradually. Once he gains that confidence and understanding, he’s going to be unstoppable.”