Mario Cristobal appreciative of progress of Oregon linebacker Treven Ma'ae

Oregon has dealt with a number of injuries this season at the edge position and while injuries are never fun to deal with, it provides the opportunity for young players to step up and contribute. Former three-star edge defender Treven Ma’ae has shined in a big way this season for the Ducks and his head coach Mario Cristobal has taken notice.

Cristobal spoke with reporters recently about how the light has finally gone off for the young linebacker.

“Yeah, he’s grown so much. I mean, you’re talking about a guy that…everybody has their time,” he said. “Some guys right away, they set foot on campus and they’re able to get it. Other guys have to develop. It doesn’t matter. As long as you’re on track and you finally boom…you hit your stride. You go. You become a contributor to the football team. It’s certainly a big moment and Treven has reached that this year.”

Cristobal noted how hard his talented redshirt freshman has worked in the weight room.

“He’s worked relentlessly on his body, his physicality. In the weight room, he’s just off the charts,” the head coach said. “He’s 260-plus pounds, very strong, very heavy handed, understands the game really well. I mean, [he’s] just always digging into ways to improve. And he has made an impact since the beginning of the season. I mean, you’ve seen him from the time we were up in Columbus all the way to most recently here. He’s always around the football. He sets the edges really well. Really, really smart.

“Seldomly does he ever have a mental bust. So, really proud of him. That’s a guy that’s just now scratching the surface. It’s all upside for him going forward, so we’re excited for Treven.”

Treven Ma’ae stats in 2021

Thus far in his third-year freshman season, Ma’ae has racked up 17 tackles, two tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. His best game yet came against the Arizona Wildcats. The Hawaiian linebacker had three tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack against the Wildcats. He also added in a quarterback hurry.

There’s no question the future is bright in Eugene for Treven Ma’ae. Oregon fans should be excited to watch him develop over the next few years.

The No. 7 Oregon Ducks face off against the Washington Huskies on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EST from Seattle, Washington.