With the departure of Bucky Irving, Jordan James is expected to take on a more prominent role in the Ducks’ running game. James had a solid season in 2022, but most of his production came when Oregon had a commanding lead. This spring, he has impressed coaches with his improved running and receiving abilities. James is focused on getting in better shape and executing his assignments consistently to earn more touches in meaningful situations.
Former Oregon Ducks offensive tackle Penei Sewell has signed a historic four-year, $112 million contract with the Detroit Lions, making it the largest deal ever given to an offensive lineman. Despite opting out of his junior season due to COVID-19, Sewell was drafted seventh overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and has since become a key player for the Lions, helping them reach the NFC Championship Game in 2023.
Tanner Johns, a junior first baseman from Palo Verde, has been named Nevada Preps Boys Athlete of the Week for his impressive performance at the plate. In the Panthers’ 12-1 win over Centennial on April 15, Johns went 4-for-5 with five RBIs and four runs scored. He added three hits and three RBIs in a 17-4 win over Liberty on Friday. Johns credits his offseason focus on perfecting his swing for his recent success. He also revealed that he looks up to Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman as a role model, eats three pieces of gum for 20 minutes before every game, and considers his grand slam against Bishop Gorman and his first home run in Cooperstown as some of his favorite baseball memories. Johns is committed to play baseball at the University of Oregon.
The iconic Nike Cortez ‘Oregon’ returns, paying tribute to the Ducks’ track and field heritage. Featuring nylon uppers, suede overlays, and the university’s signature green and yellow color scheme, the sneaker celebrates Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman’s tenure as coach. With classic branding details throughout, including the cursive Nike emblem, the Cortez ‘Oregon’ stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this legendary silhouette.
Oregon’s offensive line welcomes sixth-year senior Matthew Bedford, a highly experienced lineman who played 39 of 41 games at Indiana. Bedford’s leadership and maturity have been praised by his coaches, and he is expected to contribute significantly to a unit that has seen recent success in the NFL draft. Bedford is a versatile player who has started at every offensive line position except center, but he prefers right guard, where Oregon had a need. He is focused on improving his technique and contributing to the team’s goal of maintaining the fewest sacks in the country.
Former Oregon women’s basketball guard Priscilla Williams has found a new home in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Williams, who entered the transfer portal last month, committed to an unnamed school on Monday as a fifth-year junior with two years of eligibility remaining. During her time with the Ducks, she averaged 2.3 points and 1.2 rebounds in 13.9 minutes per game, shooting 20.6% from the field and 17.1% from three. Prior to Oregon, Williams played for Syracuse and USF. She is the last of four Ducks to transfer this offseason.
