QB Dillon Gabriel connects with star returning wide receiver for first Oregon Ducks touchdown
When Dillon Gabriel joined the Oregon Ducks via the transfer portal, Oregon knew they were getting a quarterback capable of putting points on the board. In the first game of the year against the Idaho Vandals, Gabriel wasted no time, connecting with returning wide receiver Tez Johnson for the Ducks' first score of the new season. […]
When Dillon Gabriel joined the Oregon Ducks via the transfer portal, Oregon knew they were getting a quarterback capable of putting points on the board.
In the first game of the year against the Idaho Vandals, Gabriel wasted no time, connecting with returning wide receiver Tez Johnson for the Ducks' first score of the new season.
A lot of attention is rightly going to Evan Stewart, who is a talented playmaker in his own right, but ignoring the impact that Johnson could have in this offense this season would be foolish.
Last year, Johnson broke the Oregon single-season receptions record, setting the new mark with 86. His total stat line last season checked in at 86/1,182/10, a massive statistical season.
Johnson is expected to remain one of the keys on offense after sending receiver Troy Franklin to the NFL, and he and Gabriel got off to a fast start with two receptions on their first drive, including the score.
This offense is going to look a little different than it did last year. Along with Franklin going pro, Oregon also sent quarterback bo Nix, and running back Bucky Irving to the NFL. Running back Jordan James is expected to shoulder a bulk of the carries, being spelled by Noah Whittington, who returns from an injury that he suffered last season.
It remains to be seen how the chemistry and timing of this offense will develop, even of the remainder of this opening game. Ducks fans will be hoping to see plenty of Gabriel to Johnson as the season goes along.
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This would be a massive recruiting win.
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp, as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.
