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Ranking the 25 best Oregon Ducks since 2000: No. 17 — Nick Reed
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- Ranking the 25 best Oregon Ducks since 2000: No. 17 — Nick Reed
Over the last 25 years, the Oregon Ducks have been one of the single best teams in all of college football, sitting near the top of the sport for the better part of a quarter-century.
Since 2000, Oregon has compiled an overall record of 239-83 (.742), with just two losing seasons during that span. They've been to 24 bowl games, won three Rose Bowls, been to a pair of College Football Playoffs, and appeared in two National Championships. They've seen a Heisman Trophy winner in Marcus Mariota and had 99 players selected in the NFL Draft.
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It's safe to say that when looking at the nation's best in this millennium, Oregon belongs in the conversation. But who are the players who helped get Nike University into that conversation? That's a different question entirely.
To celebrate the quarter-century mark, we're going to dive into that question over the next month as we approach the start of the 2025 season. The Ducks have had hundreds of memorable and beloved players over the years, many of whom will live on forever in some way.
But who is the best of the best?
That answer, of course, is subjective. When reviewing the numbers and conducting our research, we took several factors into account: career statistics, overall impact and success, legacy, fan adoration, and NFL success.
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Boiling 25 years of Oregon football down to 25 players is no easy task, and not one that we took lightly. Dozens of players were left on the cutting room floor who deserve a spot in the top 25, and at some point, subtracting names off the list started to feel like pulling teeth. But in the end, we were left with 25 players, whom we will honor over the next few weeks.
If you want to catch up, let's take a look at how we've gotten to where we're at in the rankings:
Now let's continue with No. 17 — the underappreciated Nick Reed .
Player Overview
EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 13: Alex Brink #10 of the Washington State Cougars is pressured by Nick Reed #49 of the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium October 13, 2007 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
Nick Reed is one of the best defensive ends to ever suit up for the Oregon Ducks . Period. When he left Eugene, he had set the school record for career sacks with 29.5 and ranked fourth in conference (Pac-10) history in four seasons. He was a Second-Team All-American as a sophomore. Reed was a major reason the Ducks led the country in tackles for loss that season (2007).
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He became only the second football player at Oregon to ever earn first-team All-America honors on the field (Walter Camp Foundation) and in the classroom (ESPN the Magazine), joining Steve Barnett (offensive lineman) from 1962.
Nick Reed Career Stats
EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the Southern California Trojans is pressured by Nick Reed #49 and Ra'Shon Harris #91 of the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium October 27, 2007 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
39 games, 80 solo tackles, 143 total, 48.5 for loss (250 yards), 29.5 sacks (202 yards)
Single Best Season
2008- 13 games, 35 solo tackles, 53 total, 20 for loss (104 yards), 13 sacks (83 yards), 5 fumble recoveries
Reed's sophomore and junior seasons were very similar stat-wise, but his five fumble recoveries put his 2008 season over the top. He was also a First-Team All-American that season and helped the Ducks to a 10-3 record and a 42-31 win over Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl.
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Historical Records and Stats
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Most Career Sacks in Oregon History (29.5)
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Most Single-Season Sacks in Oregon History (13.0)
Nick Reed NFL Draft
Jan 17, 2009; Houston, TX, USA; West defensive lineman Nick Reed (49) against the East in the first quarter of the 84th Annual East-West Shrine Game at Robertson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Despite his college success, Reed had to wait until the seventh round and was the 247th overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks .
Nick Reed NFL Success
Nov 29, 2009; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Alex Barron (70) holds Seattle Seahawks defensive end Nick Reed (98) as St. Louis Rams quarterback Kyle Boller (12) looks to pass during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Barron was penalized on the play. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Unfortunately, Reed's talents didn't translate into the NFL. He lasted just two seasons in the league, one with the Seahawks and then in 2011, he spent time in Chicago and Tampa Bay. Reed played in 26 total games and had 23 tackles and three fumble recoveries (all for the Seahawks).
Nick Reed's Lasting Legacy
BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Nick Reed #49 of the Oregon Ducks hits Nate Longshore #6 of the California Golden Bears during an NCAA football game on November 1, 2008 at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Although his professional career didn't go the way he wanted, Reed is still a legend at Oregon and paved the way for other defensive ends in Eugene, such as Matayo Uiagalelei and Kayvon Thibodeaux . Despite his stats, Reed is severely underappreciated for what he accomplished during his time in Eugene, and while many fans may be quick to name other Ducks before him on a list of all-time greats, his numbers and impact speak for themselves.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks football's top 25 players since 2000: No. 17 Nick Reed
