Ducks Digest

Matayo Uiagalelei Named Pac-12 Freshman of the Week

The former Adidas All-American has been quick to make an impact in Eugene.

Max Torres

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Oregon defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei has been named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Week.

The true freshman defensive end from Bellflower, California was one of Oregon's top defensive performers in week 7 against Washington State, recording his first college sack and logging two tackles for loss.

At 6'5", 270 pounds, Uiagalelei has made a name for himself with his blend of size, athleticism, bend and advanced pass-rushing moves. He's one of three true freshmen defenders that have made an impact along the edge for the Ducks in 2023, along with Teitum Tuioti and Blake Purchase. 

Dan Lanning has been pleased with the impact freshmen have had on Oregon's defense, and they're just getting started.

"If you're good enough you're old enough right?," Lanning said of the young trio after a win over Washington State. "We've said it before, I think 15% of our snaps right now are freshmen. I think that speaks to us developing talent and us recruiting great talent. I have high expectations for them. So we're focused on some of the positive plays. I want to go focus on things that we can fix."

Uiagalelei has played in every one of Oregon's seven games in 2023 and looks like he's sure to be a main cog along the defensive line for years to come.

This is a welcome sign for a Ducks defense that's set to lose multiple veterans looking ahead to 2024 including Brandon Dorlus, Casey Rogers and Popo Aumavae. 

The Ducks beat out USC and Ohio State to land Uiagalelei in the 2023 recruiting class, and that recruiting win is already paying off in a big way.

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Max Torres
MAX TORRES

Max Torres is the publisher and lead editor of Ducks Digest. He's covered the Oregon football and recruiting beats for four years. He's based out of Long Beach, CA and travels around Southern California and the country covering top high school football prospects.

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