At this time last year, the anticipation in Eugene was massive, buzzing around the city and throughout campus. The Oregon Ducks had signed five-star wide receiver Dakorien Moore , the No. 1 receiver in the country in the 2025 class, and he figured to make an immediate impact.
As expected, he did. Moore started the season red-hot with a two-touchdown game against Oklahoma State , which included hauling a 65-yard score for his first touchdown catch from on a throw from Dante Moore . The Moore-to-Moore connection was as advertised, even leading the Ducks with seven catches for 89 yards on the road in a win against Penn State . From day one, Moore was not just the average freshman.
However, things came to a screeching halt when Moore suffered a non-contact knee injury in practice in November. He missed the final four games of the regular season before returning for the College Football Playoff, but his impact was minimal. Moore made just six catches in Oregon's three postseason games against James Madison , Texas Tech and Indiana, and failed to find the end zone.
Oregon wide receiver coach Ross Douglas hasn't lost any faith in the Ducks' star wideout. In fact, his belief might have only grown with the effort Moore has put in so far this offseason. Not only has Moore worked rigorously to return to peak form, but he's taking the next step in the film room as well.
"He's attacking the offseason," Douglas said. "I think last year, he had the injury, but he was doing some good things for us. We critically watched all his tape last year, (and) there are some things that you like to see on film, and there are some plays that we wish we had back. So now it's just minimizing those plays that we wish we had back."
Moore wrapped up his first season in Eugene with 27 catches for 285 yards and three total touchdowns in nine games, earning himself All-Big Ten honorable mention status. His place in the offense isn't in any danger, but the return of Evan Stewart and the addition of several new faces to the room leave the Ducks with plenty of good options out wide.
The spring season has been a time for many position groups to establish the pecking order. The receiving room is no different with new mouths to feed, but Moore hasn't taken a backseat.
"I feel like he's had a great attitude," Douglas said. "He's been practicing with great effort, and now he's getting better every single day. Even as talented as he is, he's getting better every single day. He's coachable, and his attitude is a little different this year: asking a lot of questions in the meeting room, making sure that he's good on a concept, regardless of where he lines up. So, love where he's at right now, (but) you've got to keep getting better."
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon WR Dakorien Moore ready for bounce back season after injury
