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Oregon Football Spring Game report card: Things get defensive at Autzen
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- Oregon Football Spring Game report card: Things get defensive at Autzen
The annual Oregon Ducks spring football game has come and gone, and we saw a mixed bag of great play, not-so-great play and everything in between. But it was a scrimmage, so when the offense did well, the defense didn't, and vice versa. It was difficult to gauge the realistic value of the play.
We saw some great individual talent on both sides of the ball. This may be one of the fastest and most physical defenses we have ever seen from the Ducks . It's no wonder the offense struggled at times. But when the quarterbacks had time to throw, they showed the ability to make great throws in tight windows .
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As we go through the report card, keep in mind it was just a scrimmage and nothing too big should be taken out of it. But it was fun to see the Ducks, with a bunch of new names, on the field doing their thing. Here's how we grade each position group after the action.
Quarterbacks
Grade:B
Six quarterbacks saw action on Saturday, and the one who distinguished himself was redshirt freshman Luke Moga. He's more of an athletic quarterback, the type Oregon fans are used to. Dante Moore showed the most grasp of the offense, and Austin Novosad has a gun for an arm. But it was tough to get an accurate reading with the "one touch of the QB, and it's a sack" rule. In general, it was easy to see the Ducks' offense operating well with any QB at the helm this fall.
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Running Backs
EUGENE, OREGON - APRIL 26: Jayden Limar #27 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball for a touchdown during the Oregon spring game at Autzen Stadium on April 26, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
Grade: B-
The running backs didn't have much action, but when they did, they had some nice runs. Jayden Limar had an explosive 31-yard touchdown. Jay Harris scored twice but also fumbled. Noah Whittington looks as if he's going to push to be RB1 against Makhi Hughes. That's a competition to look for in the fall.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
EUGENE, OREGON - APRIL 26: Kenyon Sadiq #18 of the Oregon Ducks runs over Aaron Flowers #21 of the Oregon Ducks during the Oregon spring game at Autzen Stadium on April 26, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
Grade:A+
The receivers stood out on Saturday, and Evan Stewart didn't even play. Oregon is going to have a tough time deciding who to target the most. The talent is that deep. Dillon Gresham had a big game, as did tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Gresham's late touchdown catch-and-run was the highlight. Fans gained a taste of what true freshman Dakorien Moore can do with his impressive reception down the sideline.
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In a year Oregon lost both Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden to the NFL, questions remain about how the Ducks will replace the WR talent. On Saturday, I think we saw that this should not be an issue.
Offensive Line
Fighting Ducks offensive lineman Lipe Moala, left, blocks Combat Ducks inside linebacker Brayden Platt as the Fighting Ducks face off against Mighty Oregon in the Oregon Ducks spring game on April 26, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
Grade:D
Yeah, this group struggled a bit, but it shouldn't be much of a surprise this early. There are a lot of new guys along that line, and the Ducks are going to have to see which group plays the best with each other. Among both teams, the offensive line allowed 11 "sacks."
Defensive Line
Sep 28, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei (10) and UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Jaylan Jeffers (77) battle at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Grade:A
The defensive linemen took advantage of an under-experienced offensive line, but that doesn't take away from the talent among that group. Matayo Uiagalelei has taken the next step in his development and will be an unstoppable beast in 2025. The Big Ten better be prepared.
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Linebackers
Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon pressures Oregon State wide receiver Jeremiah Noga as the Oregon State Beavers host the Oregon Ducks Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore.
Grade:A
Even with Bryce Boettcher playing just a few plays, the linebackers are young, physical and fast. The highlight was Blake Purchase's scoop-and-score off a fumble. Jerry Mixon and Brayden Platt looked great throughout the day, and Lanning went as far as to say after the game that they will not be adding an LB in the portal. That is a massive vote of confidence for this group.
Secondary
Combat Ducks running back Noah Whittington, left, breaks past Fighting Ducks defensive back Jahlil Florence and defensive back Aaron Flowers as the Fighting Ducks face off against Mighty Oregon in the Oregon Ducks spring game on April 26, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
Grade:B
Defending all of those receivers is a tough ask, and the secondary held its own for the most part. It was good to see Jahlil Florence on the field after an injury-riddled 2024. This group will get better and better as the season goes on.
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Special Teams
Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington kicks the ball during practice with the Oregon Ducks Tuesday, April 2, 2024 in Eugene, Ore.
Grade:A-
Atticus Sappington and Gage Hurych hit three of their four field goal attempts, but it was Hurych's 54-yard boot that was the highlight. Oregon might have not one but two reliable kickers on its hands. However, the Duck's punting game was rough: Starting punter Ross James had a bad day that included shanking one of his kicks for just 12 yards.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Football: Ducks' defense grades out well in spring game
