Three Oregon position battles that still need solving

 Oregon’s fall camp is coming to a close, and we have learned plenty about the team over the past couple of weeks. 

With that being said, there are still a few unanswered questions in regards to who will start in the opener against Fresno State. Here’s a rundown of a few of the more noteworthy battles that are still playing out. 

We are setting the quarterback battle aside on this occasion — in part because it’s been covered extensively in recent weeks. Plus, it’s possible that we get an update on the quarterback decision when Mario Cristobal meets with reporters later today. 

This is not an exhaustive list of that position battles that are still taking place. But these are three of the more intriguing storylines to watch over the next week, or so. 

Boundary Corner

At this point, this one is too close to call. Dontae Manning and Trikweze Bridges have both had sensational camps. 

When DJ James was suspended indefinitely earlier this month, it generated quite a bit of concern about who would start opposite Mykael Wright on the perimeter. But Bridges and Manning both looked sharp during the first scrimmage, and it seems as though Oregon’s coaches have all the confidence in the world in both players. 

“If we had to play today, both those guys are playing,” Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal said earlier this week. 

It could very well be the case that Bridges and Manning end up platooning at corner this season, with Bridges using his length and athleticism to match up against bigger, more physical receiver. 

However it shakes out, you can probably expect both players to get plenty of snaps early in the season. Whether or not James plays this year, it sounds as though Manning and Bridges have both played their way onto the two deep. 

Prediction: Trikweze Bridges

Weakside Linebacker

What an embarrassment of riches the Ducks have at linebacker. On one hand, Dru Mathis is a veteran presence who serves as a mentor for many of Oregon’s recent blue chip signees. He’s as steady as they come, and would be absolutely fine starting alongside Noah Sewell this season if he gets the nod. 

On the other hand, Justin Flowe seems to be destined for stardom. The second-highest ranked recruit in Oregon’s history, he is a freak of nature athletically, has been working like a madman during camp, and has fully recovered from last season’s knee injury.

It’s a matter of youth vs. experience in this case. The Ducks can’t go wrong either way. This is another instance where both players will get plenty of run this season. 

Flowe may not ultimately win the job outright to open the season. But it’s only a matter of time before he and Sewell link up to form one of the most terrifying linebacker duo’s in the country. 

Prediction: Justin Flowe

No. 2 Tight End

As far as starting spots go, this one is all but wrapped up. Spencer Webb is the guy. He has looked great during camp and could be set for a massive 2021 season. 

Further down the depth chart is where things really start to get interesting. DJ Johnson had a really nice 2020 season, and seemed poised to build on that this fall. But he was MIA during the first week of camp, and is probably still playing catch-up after missing so much time. 

Oregon’s duo of 4-star true freshmen, Moliki Matavao and Terrance Ferguson, have drawn heavy praise from the coaching staff during camp. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see either — or both — of them play immediately this year. Patrick Herbert would have contributed, but is probably out for the foreseeable future with a knee injury. 

Cam McCormick has battled his way back from a series of horrendous injuries, and is Oregon’s early candidate for feel-good story of this season. He seems to be full-go and could also be in contention for significant playing time. 

Trying to choose from that collection of talent is a good problem for Oregon’s coaching staff to have. But it won’t be easy to decide who plays and who sits; five different guys have made a serious case for consistent snaps this season. 

It’s likely that this group gets chopped and changed depending on formation and opposition. Look for the Ducks to get the most out of each player’s unique skill set. 

Prediction: DJ Johnson