We've talked a lot about the receiver group and their need to improve. So much improvement has already taken place, much of it behind the scenes.
Last summer the Ducks were pinning a lot of hope on Tabari Hines, who was a complete flop as a graduate transfer. He arrived late, got hurt, had a surgery and brought an entitled attitude, expecting to start right away and be a focal point of the offense without putting it the work.
Contrast that to Juwan Johnson, who has quickly established himself as a leader of the unit by enrolling for spring term, working extra with Justin Herbert and reporting in tremendous shape, standing out immediately for his practice habits.
In 2018 Dillon Mitchell broke the Oregon record for receptions, but off the field he was a diva and a distraction.
After a slow start he went to the Oregon coaches in September and demanded more touches, threatening to transfer if he didn't get them..
His numbers soared, but the overall effectiveness of the unit took a hit. Trust and communication suffered.
In spite of the drama Jaylon Redd had a nice sophomore season with 38 catches for 433 yards and 5 touchdowns, including a very big touchdown reception in the Washington game, grabbing a bullet from Herbert in the left corner of the end zone and somehow coming down with a toe in bounds.
What wasn't widely know is that the speedster from California played through a variety of injuries in the second half of the season, including badly bruised ribs and stitches in his hand.
The supporting cast is much stronger with the addition of an exception WR recruiting class. Look for freshman Mycah Pittman to have an early impact similar to Troy and Travis Dye in his first year.
Like the Dyes, he comes from an NFL family and has an advanced understanding of the game.
Before arriving this spring in time for the sixth spring practice Pittman worked out on his own in Southern California, communicating with the Oregon staff via FaceTime and watching the practices so he could keep up on the installation of the offense.
He came in already grasping the system and the nomenclature, progressing so rapidly that he shot onto to the two deep. In the spring game he led all receivers with 7 catches for 48 yards, showing good hands in traffic. He's a good route runner, confident and mature. He'll make a smooth transition to college ball and the increased demands.
After the season Troy Dye and Herbert elected to come back, but Mitchell declared for the NFL Draft, selected in the fourth round by the Minnesota Vikings.
In February the Ducks hired a new wide receiver coach. After Michael Johnson left for Missiissippi State Mario Cristobal grabbed Jovon Bouknight from Utah State.
Bouknight's a technician. Several of the Oregon receivers have marveled at how much more they've learned this spring, far more, they've said, than over the previous couple of seasons.
The climate, leadership and work habits in this group have all markedly improved. They're determined to be more consistent. Juwan Johnson and Herbert already have them starting summer workouts.
Where last year there was upheaval, drama and distraction, this year there is a professional and businesslike attitude.
In 2018 the Ducks threw 418 times for 3,222 yards and 29 touchdowns, not the one-dimensional power offense that critics depict. The preseason previews wonder how the Ducks will replace Dillon Mitchell, but that's already underway. There's strength in diversity and attitude reflects leadership.
