Anthony Brown was officially named starting quarterback a few days ago for Our Beloved Ducks in the season opener, which will be this Saturday against Fresno State.
No surprise there.
As fans, we’ve been clamoring over Oregon’s quarterback question all summer, so it’s nice to finally have a definitive answer from head coach Mario Cristobal on who will be leading our Ducks’ offense into 2021.
Unfortunately for Brown, however, the job may not be his to keep throughout the year.
Tom Corno
Anthony Brown had flashes last year, but could lose the starting job this season if talent around the hungry quarterback room elevates.
By way of star-studded recruiting, the Ducks have amassed incredible surrounding talent at the quarterback position for the team’s brighter-than-ever future.
Jay Butterfield, Robby Ashford, and super-talent Ty Thompson make up a quarterback room of recruits that rival any in Oregon history. I by no means am claiming Brown shouldn’t be the starter, since he did get significant experience (limited, but significant) last season in this offense, and is a senior with something to prove. But isn’t it entirely possible that if some of these games don’t go well for the Ducks, we see a change at quarterback?
It would be more likely to then see Ashford or Butterfield this season with their experience, but I will be honest: I want to see Thompson play. Whether or not he’s ready is a different story, though once Thompson gets a chance, I wholeheartedly believe he’ll elevate to Mariota-esque heights.
If another quarterback were to get an opportunity this season, when could you see them starting? If Brown finishes out the season, what do you see as the “ceiling” for our Ducks this year with him at quarterback?
Alex Heining
Santa Barbara, California
Top Photo by: John McGillen, USC Athletics
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Alex Heining is a third-year student at the University of Oregon. He’s working towards a bachelor of arts degree as an English major and media studies minor in journalism. Growing up in the Los Angeles area of southern California, Alex ended up a Duck through family ties, a quality football program, and the beautiful green of Lane County. Currently finishing his first science fiction novel, he wants to end up in the sports world of journalism on the west coast. Particularly, covering high school football, recruiting commits, and all things Ducks.