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 | Jul 9, 2024

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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Aaron Flowers, Safety

You may recognize this defensive-back turned safety, Aaron Flowers, from his turn leading the white team’s defense for Oregon’s Spring Game. The four-star recruit out of Forney, Texas racked up four tackles and one pass break-up to make a fairly strong impression.

Flowers shines as an athlete of many skills. In high school, the 6’0, 202 athlete would transition through the secondary with ease, specifically at safety and corner. He also took his speed to compete in a limited capacity for track and field. This makes his roster listing at defensive back no surprise, but also guarantees he won’t be limited to one position.

As for seeing the field, Flowers is most likely to be a backup for strong safety behind senior Tysheem Johnson. Strong safeties are more versatile and better for contact than free safeties, and Flowers’ skills and physicality fits this role.

Flowers seems to be the most likely on this list to see the field, simply because of his talent during the spring game as well as the lack of depth towards his respective position.

Published Jul 9, 2024|Modified Jul 9, 2024

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.