Ducks Digest

Which Oregon Football Freshman Can Make Instant Impact?

With the Oregon Ducks Spring Game behind us and the countdown to college football kickoff looming, which fresh-faced talents will see the field under the Oregon and coach Dan Lanning's Big Ten debut?

Ally Osborne

Oregon defensive back Aaron Flowers goes up for a pass during warmups ahead of the Oregon Ducks’ Spring Game Saturday, April 27. 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
Oregon defensive back Aaron Flowers goes up for a pass during warmups ahead of the Oregon Ducks’ Spring Game Saturday, April 27. 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA
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JacQawn "Shaq" McCroy, Offensive Tackle

It’s been said for offensive lineman, “you can’t coach size”. That term is particularly evident for Pinson, Alabama native JacQawn “Shaq” McCroy. McCroy is an intimidating figure at 6’8 and 365 pounds, taller than former towering Oregon linemen like Malaesala Aumavae Laulu and Penei Sewell.

Joining a large and physical conference like the Big Ten means Oregon will most likely hold on to their tried and true Jumbo Package formation. Packing the box allows for a strengthened run game and nothing accomplishes a wall better than big bodies up front. McCroy could very well be that big body. His tape also shows an agility to spring out of three point position quickly for his size.

Right now, Josh Connerly Jr. and Ajani Cornelius are projected to take the starting two offensive tackle spots respectively. If either gets hurt with back-ups Kawika Rogers and George Silva lining up instead, it makes sense to get the ESPN 4th ranked offensive tackle recruit in the nation ready to line up.

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Ally Osborne
ALLY OSBORNE

A born and raised Oregonian, Ally was raised going up and down the steps of Autzen Stadium. Ally graduated from the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communications in 2021. She currently works at KOIN 6 and Portland's CW in Portland, Oregon where she hosts the lifestyle program "Everyday Northwest" and reports for the KOIN Sports team. She's also a graphic designer in her free time, with several of her works created for Oregon athletes.

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