Oregon RBs Davison, Hill looking to grow beyond ‘pure talent’
You could make an argument that the Oregon Ducks have the best running back duo in the Big Ten heading into the 2026 season. Despite losing three running backs to the transfer portal this offseason and Noah Whittington to the NFL Draft, the Ducks have reloaded the depth in the room, but their star freshmen from last season will carry the torch and lead the way this fall.
Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. didn't play like freshmen in 2025 and quickly vaulted to the top of the depth chart and became true difference-makers in Oregon's offense. Ducks running back coach Ra'Shaad Samples recognized their talent immediately and couldn't keep them off the field.
However, with more responsibilities in the offense heading into their second season together with the Ducks, Samples is looking for the bruising Davison and speedy Hill to take the next step within Drew Mehringer's offense . Their freakish talent set them apart as freshmen, but they will have to grow and become smarter ballcarriers.
“You know, they did that last year and really didn't know what they were doing," Samples said of Davison and Hill. "They're going through the maturation process. They're growing. They have to understand who they are as players, understand their strengths and weaknesses. They were operating off of pure talent last year. They've gotten more in the film room."
More time in the film room could serve the duo well in several areas. Whether it's in pass protection, finding the right gaps in the running game, or replacing the veteran leadership that the room is losing without Whittington, Samples believes Davison and Hill have room to grow.
It's hard to envision how big a step forward the pair could take in production next season after an impressive first season in Eugene. Davison rushed for 667 yards and a team-high 15 touchdowns, the second-most for an Oregon freshman tailback ever, trailing only Royce Freeman , who scored 18 times in 2014. Hill ran for 656 yards and five touchdowns last season, despite handling 38 fewer carries than Davison.
Davison had a defined role in short-yardage spots or at the goal line, while Hill was used as a change-of-pace back with Whittington, using his speed on outside zone runs to outrun defenders. While that worked as a freshman with a clear set of responsibilities, Samples wants to be able to move Davison and Hill around the formation to keep opposing defenses on their toes.
"They understand the game conceptually," Samples said. "What we're trying to accomplish, the moving parts of the offense, different spots. So, just growth, they should be key parts of not just like the backfield, but our offense.”
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Davison, Hill seeking growth in year two with Ducks
