Season in Review: WR/TE
01/24/23 | Football, @GoDucksMoseley
The Ducks saw some breakout performances at the offensive skill positions in 2022, and many of those same guys return in 2023.
Reviewing Oregon's 2022 season and looking ahead to spring drills.
2022 ROSTER
WR: Troy Franklin, So.; Kyler Kasper, Fr.; Isaah Crocker, Sr.; Justius Lowe, Fr.; Kade Wisher, Fr.; Malachi Russell, Fr.
WR: Kris Hutson, RFr.; Josh Delgado, Jr.; Seven McGee, So.; Von Reames, RFr.; Darrian Anderson, Fr.
WR: Chase Cota, Sr.; Dont'e Thornton, So.; Caleb Chapman, Sr.; Isaiah Brevard, RFr.; Michael Jennings, So.
TE: Terrance Ferguson, So.; Cam McCormick, Sr.; Moliki Matavao, So.; Patrick Herbert, So.; Tyler Nanney, So.; Peter Burke, Fr.
Starters: One of the Pac-12's biggest breakout stars in 2022 was Oregon receiver Troy Franklin, who led the Ducks with 61 receptions for 891 yards and nine touchdowns, the latter tied for most in the conference. Since he arrived in Eugene, Franklin had impressed with his ability to track deep passes and make acrobatic plays on the ball, and those skills were on full display throughout the recently completed season. Franklin tied for the Pac-12 lead with three receptions of 50 yards or more, and he had two other receptions longer than 40 yards. But he wasn't just a big-play guy, showing off toughness as a possession receiver when needed as well.
Kris Hutson was also a reliable target for UO quarterback Bo Nix, catching 44 passes for 472 yards. Hutson often seemed one step away from turning intermediate gains into explosive plays, and his ceiling remains sky high. The transfer portal yielded UO legacy Chase Cota, son of a former Oregon safety and hero of Oregon's Holiday Bowl victory with the game-winning touchdown reception late in regulation. Cota caught 36 balls for 497 yards and three touchdowns despite missing time due to injury in the middle of the season. At tight end, Terrance Ferguson thrived in the red zone, with five touchdowns among his 32 receptions on the season. Ferguson too played a key role on the game-winning touchdown drive in the bowl game.
Reserves: Dont'e Thornton also illustrated the strength of the UO staff's player-development program, leading the Ducks in yards per reception at 21.53. Depth at tight end was on display much of the season, with Moliki Matavao, Patrick Herbert and Cam McCormick combining for 26 receptions, 295 yards and five touchdowns. Receivers Caleb Chapman, Josh Delgado and Kyler Kasper each had one reception each.
Developmental squad: The Ducks' depth meant the "look team" also featured some talented guys, including at various times the likes of Chapman, Kasper, Isaiah Brevard, Justius Lowe and Isaah Crocker. The look team was furthered staffed by veteran practice players including Von Reames and Tyler Nanney, as well as several newcomers.
2023 SPRING PREVIEW
Veterans: Troy Franklin, Jr.; Terrance Ferguson, Jr. (TE); Kris Hutson, So.; Patrick Herbert, Jr. (TE); Josh Delgado, Sr.; Kyler Kasper, RFr.; Justius Lowe, RFr.; Von Reames, So.; Michael Jennings, Jr.; Peter Burke, RFr. (TE); Darrian Anderson, RFr.; Kade Wisher, RFr.
Newcomers: Ashton Cozart, Fr.; Traeshon Holden, Jr.; Tez Johnson, So.; Kenyon Sadiq, Fr. (TE)
What to Watch: Other than Cota, the Ducks return their headliners from the 2022 season, including Franklin, Hutson and Ferguson. The transfer portal facilitated some departures, notably McCormick, Matavao and Thornton, but it also yielded two newcomer this winter in receivers Traeshon Holden and Tez Johnson. Receiver Ashton Cozart and tight end Kenyon Sadiq also enrolled this winter as freshmen, looking to push for some of the reps now available after the departure of some experienced rotation players.
Players Mentioned
