SPRING FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SPORTS
WIDE RECIEVER
Budding youth movement poised to drive the Ducks’ wide receiver corps. BY AARON HEISEN
Ducks wide receiver Kris Hutson (14) rises from a kneel after the Ducks rushed the field for the 124th Ducks vs Beavers football game. The University of Oregon Ducks hosted and defeated the Oregon State Beavers 38-29, claiming the Pac-12 North champions title. (Ian Enger/Emerald)
“Let the kids play.” Coach: Junior Adams What started out as a Major League Baseball marketing slogan turned Adams coached Los Angeles Rams into former UO football coach Mario receiver Cooper Kupp at Eastern Cristobal’s philosophy. Washington in 2013. Adams received At the start of the 2021 season, high praise from the Super Bowl Cristobal featured a slew of veteran champion Kupp. talent at wide receiver, including “I really believe that one day Johnny Johnson III, Jaylon Redd and he’s going to coach at the highest Mycah Pittman. By the end of the level,” Kupp said of Adams in a 2019 year, the torch was transferred to Kris interview with the Seattle Times. “He’s Hutson, Troy Franklin and Dont’e that talented. He’s that good. He’s that Thornton. knowledgeable. I know the direction With the former trio either injured or that his career is going.” declared to transfer Hutson, Franklin and Thornton started the Alamo Bowl. Figurehead player: Kris Hutson The Ducks lost to Oklahoma 47-32, but each receiver found the end zone. Hutson played in each of the Ducks Thornton led the way with 90 yards, 14 games last season. He led all of and Hutson racked up a team-high six their returning receivers with 31 catches. receptions, 419 yards and Spring practice two touchdowns. His provides a chance stats were impressive, for the current but his inexperience was sophomores, along apparent. with redshirt junior Coach Cristobal “He’s that talented. He’s that Isaah Crocker and scolded Hutson for good. He’s that knowledgeable. UCLA transfer over-celebrating a first I know the direction that his Chase Cota to build down as the first half career is going.” a rapport with clock ran out against COOPER KUPP LA Rams receiver on coach the quarterbacks the Arizona Wildcats, Junior Adams. and separate costing the Ducks themselves as a field goal. Hutson starters. dropped passes and Like most Ducks teams of the lost two fumbles — one coming recent past, depth is a luxury at wide against UCLA and the other in the receiver. red zone against Cal — that almost cost the Ducks two wins. Biggest storyline: youth He continued to remain on the field because he was one of The three presumed starters at the the Ducks' best run-blockers at position are all sophomores: Franklin the position and outworked his and Thornton will line up on the position-mates in practices. Hutson’s outside with Hutson assuming the slot had growing pains. Now it’s time to position. Sophomore Seven McGee show that his game has improved also has a chance to make noise at the from them. slot position if he chooses to stay at Check out the feature on Kris receiver instead of running back. Hutson from earlier this season. Youth can be a crutch, but that’s the furthest thing from what it is for X-Factor/player to watch: Dont’e Oregon. In a season of retooling the Thornton team with sophomore quarterback Ty Thompson, first-year coach Dan Thornton has the best big play Lanning, offensive coordinator Kenny ability of any of the Ducks receivers. Dillingham and wide receivers coach He showcased that when he turned Junior Adams, youth provides a Thompson’s 20 yard throw into a 60 chance to grow together. yard touchdown for his first collegiate Young receivers carry a chip on score. The Ducks will need those big their shoulder. Expectations are lower plays from Thornton to come more than past seasons, but the receivers consistently throughout the season to are ready to break out. propel their offense. T H U R S D AY, M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 2 2
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