WATCH: Kayvon Thibodeaux sack launches ball into referee

Oregon defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux is soon to make millions in the National Football League. That doesn’t mean he’s not going to lay some bone-rattling hits in his final season with the Oregon Ducks.

Thibodeaux absolutely leveled Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener, sending the football flying in the air and hitting the referee.

Check the video below on Twitter that Dane Brugler of The Athletic posted.. It’s a rare type of play, for sure.

Can’t say I’ve ever seen the referee get hit with the ball from that angle on a sack before.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, man. pic.twitter.com/ibLSeBX4fu

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 5, 2021

It’s incredibly rare that fans will see a player get hit so hard that the football can be launched like that to hit the referee.

Thibodeaux is a top 2022 NFL Draft prospect

That’s just the sheer force and hitting power of Kayvon Thibodeaux and it’s a big reason why ESPN said he could be “The potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.”

Thibodeaux was injured in the game, but still racked up two tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble (video above). He suffered an ankle injury and was in a walking boot after the game.

Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal spoke with the media after the game and said the injury isn’t serious, “He got rolled up on. Beyond that, I know it’s a sprain. We’re very optimistic it’s nothing serious.”

The Ducks finally started clicking to avoid upset

Oregon’s game with Fresno State was surprisingly close. The Ducks finally got things clicking late in the contest to pull out a close one, 31-24. A 30-yard touchdown run by quarterback Anthony Brown with 2:57 left in the game clinched the victory for Oregon.

Justin Flowe finds the flow

Justin Flowe is one of the highest rated prospects ever to call Eugene home, so big expectations were immediately placed on his shoulders. Unfortunately he suffered a torn meniscus in November 2020 of his freshman season and missed the rest of the year.

Saturday against Fresno State, he showed why he was one of the highest rated linebacker recruits in America coming out of high school. The five-star linebacker racked up 14 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble in his sophomore debut.

Flowe’s high school highlight tape is one of the most impressive you’ll ever watch of any linebacker prospect. If you haven’t gotten the chance to watch it yet, you can find it here. He played for Upland High School (Chino, California). The uber-talented prospect chose the Ducks over offers from Arizona, Alabama, Arizona State, Auburn, and many others.

Oregon’s next game is against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, Sept. 11. Kickoff is slated for noon EST. The contest will be televised on FOX.