Eight new prospects from Oregon who could be significant as true freshman

Following this week’s signing of the highest-rated class in school history by Dan Lanning and colleagues, the Oregon Ducks and their fan base are experiencing a high moment. In the country, the class is ranked fourth.

Many of the players who come to Eugene are ranked among the top 100 nationally, and they have outstanding upsides. A few rank among the top athletes in their respective states. Young players can have a significant impact on the club if they can demonstrate early on that they are competent, as Lanning’s tenure in Eugene demonstrated. Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Toioti, and Blake Purchase are three examples of such players in 2023.

Who are the guys from the 2024 class that we may anticipate making an immediate impression on in the upcoming season? We are keeping an eye on the following names:

Cut Elijah Rushing

The plan is in place for the defense to use true freshman edge rushers, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see five-star Elijah Rushing on the field if he demonstrates early that he has what it takes to play at this level.

Rushing’s stature at 6 feet, 6 inches, and 250 pounds is that of a classic pass-rusher. The No. 17 prospect in the 2024 class, he comes from Arizona with a tremendous ceiling.

Sione Laulea, CB

Because Sione Laulea is a junior college athlete rather than a high school prospect, it seems as though fans have overlooked him more than others among the 2024 class additions. He is the top CB in his class and the second-ranked JUCO talent in the country. Laulea, who weighs 185 pounds and stands 6 feet 4 inches tall, gives Oregon’s secondary length that the team lacks. He is capable of using both the deep safety spot and the CB. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if Laulea saw a lot of playing time and maybe even competed for a starting position in 2024.

Breland, DL Aydin

The interior defensive line, which is losing players like Brandon Dorlus, Taki Taimani, Popo Aumavae, and Casey Rogers, is one of the Ducks’ weakest positions this season. The Ducks will probably add a player or two through the transfer gate, but much like with the edge, don’t be surprised if a true freshman like Aydin Breland gets some playing time.

According to 247Sports, Breland is a five-star prospect who was ranked No. 16 in the 2024 class. We’ll see how soon he can make an impact, as he possesses the necessary size.

WR McClellan Jeremiah

Naturally, a lot of fans have been curious about the potential impact of a true freshman wide receiver in Eugene in light of Jurrion Dickey’s inability to establish himself as the team’s number-two wide receiver in 2023. But those supporters must keep in mind that Dickey missed games due to a knee issue that he had to cope with all season. I wouldn’t be shocked to see McClellan receive some snaps early on if he is as talented as we are told.

S. Aaron Flowers

The ducks desperately need someone to step up for safety. While they signed Kansas State alum Kobe Savage through the transfer portal, it would be extremely advantageous if Flowers made an early announcement.

DL Johnson, Jericho

As we mentioned with Aydin Breland, Oregon’s interior defensive line needs to see some breakthroughs, and the newest Duck could be able to assist. Jericho Johnson, a four-star nose tackle, is a monster in the middle at six feet, four inches, and 300 pounds. That kind of size is impossible to train, so in 2024 we’ll see if Lanning and Tosh Lupoi can make use of him.

LB Brayden Platt

Since linebacker is so important to understanding every intricacies of the defense and positioning other players, it might be difficult to predict that a true freshman will have a significant influence there. Platt, who arrives in Eugene as the top player from Washington and the 53rd pick in the 2024 class, possesses outstanding stature at 6 feet, 2 inches, and 240 pounds. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him get early reps on the field the following season.

Roger Saleapaga, TE

Since it is still unknown if Terrance Ferguson will return, the future of the TE position is in doubt. In the event that Ferguson leaves, I see Roger Saleapaga entering the game and contributing significantly to the passing attack by essentially serving as a TE/WR hybrid. He weighs 220 pounds and is 6 feet, 4 inches tall. Although I don’t think he will play a significant part in the offense, I could absolutely see him making an impact.