EUGENE -- The Oregon Ducks will have a handful of true freshmen on their roster when they open up the season next week against South Dakota.

After three weeks of fall camp, Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich announced that nine freshmen would not be redshirted.

The players include running back Royce Freeman, defensive backs Arrion Springs and Khalil Oliver, defensive linemen Henry Mondeaux and Austin Maloata, wide receiver Charles Nelson, offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby, long snapper Tanner Carew and linebacker Justin Hollins.

Helfrich also announced JUCO wide receiver Zac Schuller made the roster.

Linebacker Jimmie Swain and defensive lineman Jalen Jelks are on the initial redshirt list, but Helfrich said they're players that may be possibly needed down the road – similar to how they handled Jake Pisarcik last season.

"We've got a lot of good young players," Helfrich said. "Those guys came in and really competed well. We'll see, but that is the plan right now."

Many of Helfrich's selections were far from surprises. Freeman has been the talk of camp since day one and Crosby has often earned praise, especially after the season-ending injury to Tyler Johnstone. Still, Helfrich knew there would be many disappointed to be redshirted. Earlier this week, Marcus Mariota stressed the importance of those redshirts. On Saturday, Helfrich used him as an example.

At the end of practice, Helfrich called for all the players who had redshirted in the past to stand up. Mariota was proudly one of them.

"We encourage those guys to buy into their role," Helfrich said. "...As soon as they realize that (they're) still a vital part of this team, the better."

-- Tyson Alger | @tysonalger