Redshirt Freshmen: Stars on the Rise in 2013

Closed practices didn’t stop rumblings of redshirted players’ shining success from leaking through the Moshofsky Center’s guarded walls this past season.  The 2012 recruiting class was one of the best in history, and certain names kept surfacing as potential future playmakers for the Ducks.

Receiver Chance Allen

Allen brings the size that the Oregon receiving core lacks.

Most fans were excited to grab Bralon Addison from Texas A&M on signing day, but his good friend Chance Allen might be the player to watch next year.  Listed at 6’2” 195 pounds, Allen was unstoppable at certain times in practice according to players.

In the week leading up to the USC game, Allen lined up against the first-team defense playing the role of Biletnikoff winner Marquis Lee.  According to defensive players, Allen was a machine.  Perpetually open deep in the secondary, not a player on defense could slow him down (kind of like Lee during the game).  Allen was formerly committed to Oklahoma State, a school known for tailoring playmaking receivers, and fans should be excited for the size and physicality he brings to the gridiron.

Safety Reggie Daniels

Daniels reminds many fans of a taller Boyett.

The four-star safety recruit from Arizona made his presence felt this season on the scout team.  As evident in his high school highlights, Reggie Daniels brings the lumber.  Other than Brian Jackson, Erick Dargan and Avery Patterson – whose return from a torn ACL is unknown – there isn’t a lot of depth at the safety position.  John Neal and Nick Allioti both fielded questions about which defensive redshirt stood out this year, and Daniels’ name is always the first to leave their lips.  At 6’2”, Daniels holds the size and carries the speed that the Oregon coaches are looking for in DB’s.  Playing for Arizona high school powerhouse Hamilton, Daniels was named to the Division I All-State first team defense in 2011 after racking up 90 tackles and 5 interceptions as a senior.