A look back at the wide receiver position over the 15 Oregon football spring practices, which concluded with the Spring Game on April 2oth.

Perceived depth chart heading into spring

— WR1 —

1. Brenden Schooler SR.

2. Bryan Addison rFR.

3. Daewood Davis SOPH.

— WR2 —

1. Johnny Johnson JR.

2. Mycah Pittman FR.

3. Isaah Crocker rFR.

4. JJ Tucker rFR.

— Slot —

1. Jaylon Redd JR.

2. Josh Delgado FR.

3. Justin Collins JR.

Davis entered spring at wide receiver before moving to defensive back, while Juwan Johnson wasn't expected for spring practice, but arrived shortly after spring break as a surprise and took part in the final nine or so practices. The Ducks returned three players with starting experience in Johnny Johnson (16 starts), Schooler (13) and Redd (nine starts). However, due to below average production in 2018, it was clear no starting spots were safe as spring opened.

The Spring Headliner

I'm going with two players here. Pittman and Juwan Johnson each arrived after spring break, and both players quickly emerged on the depth chart. Each worked with the second-team on their first days, and it wasn't too long before they got first-team looks as well. Johnson parlayed that into a starting spring game spot, while Pittman led all receivers with seven receptions in the game. Both also showed well at the Portland scrimmage hauling in both touchdown catches by a receiver. Johnson also had one of two touchdown catches in the spring game. Both players arrived with expectations, and frankly, both players lived up to them. Pittman has already established himself as the team's most sure-handed and arguably most reliable target, while Johnson is clearly the top red zone guy (both scrimmage touchdowns came inside the 20).

The Depth

Well, there simply wasn't much this spring. Injuries to Delgado, Crocker, Addison, Tucker, and Collins (which is believed to be season-ending) meant there really weren't a ton of bodies at the position for much of the spring. Addison, Delgado, and Crocker each had moments prior to the injury. Delgado returned and had a few nice catches in the spring game, while the other two did not take part. As we exit spring, we know the team will have plenty of bodies. Eleven scholarship receivers are expected to be available this fall. What we aren't quite as certain on is how it all fits together. I think it's pretty clear that the three newcomers (Johnson, Pittman, and Delgado) will be able to contribute this fall, and the same can be said about Schooler, Johnny Johnson, and Redd. The issue is how about the others? The Ducks would like to have at least eight players in the rotation at receiver, and at this point, they're a few short of that number.

The Biggest Question

We heard all spring about the newcomers' impact on the veteran receivers. Head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo each said that play of Pittman, Delgado, and Johnson had elevated the play of their teammates. My big question is whether or not we see any change from that group this fall? Have the newbies really stirred up something in the vets? And if so, how much better can they really be? We should say that Schooler, Johnson, and Redd each had strong spring game showings. Redd had one of two receiving touchdowns, while Schooler and Johnson each had two catches for over 30 yards. Schooler's sideline catch late in the second quarter was probably the play of the day for the position group. Still, we've seen big moments from each in the past followed by ugly, drop-filled, stretches.

Post-spring the depth chart

— WR1 —

1. Juwan Johnson SR.

2. Brenden Schooler SR.

3. Bryan Addison RFr.

4. Lance Wilhoite FR.

— WR2 —

1. Mycah Pittman FR.

2. Johnny Johnson JR.

3. Isaah Crocker rFR.

4. JJ Tucker rFR.

5. JR Waters FR.

—Slot—

1. Jaylon Redd JR.

2. Josh Delgado FR.





I think Juwan Johnson and Pittman did enough this spring to be starter caliber players this fall. Whether or not that happens will largely be determined by the play of the aforementioned veterans and the play of the three redshirt freshmen (Addison, Crocker, and Tucker). We also can't discount that two more true freshmen, Lance Wilhoite, and JR Waters, may make a run at a starting spot when they arrive this summer. Both are highly regarded prospects with length and athleticism.