EUGENE — The foundation of the Oregon Ducks’ offense will, inevitably, be establishing the run. It is as much a program identifier as it is a necessary component for success in the highly physical Big Ten Conference.
A deep running back group for the Ducks showcased what it is capable of on Saturday in the Oregon spring game at Autzen Stadium, a 28-23 win for the Green team over the White team.
It wasn’t just junior Brison Cobbins — unlikely to be part of the regular rotation come the fall — breaking off a 60-yard run for a touchdown. Junior Jordan James ran seven times for 51 yards and a score, junior transfer Jay Harris had 11 carries for 52 yards and bowled over defenders, and sophomore Jayden Limar showcased the explosive ability coaches have been raving about this spring with nine carries for 30 yards and a touchdown.
The only thing missing was a big day for redshirt junior Noah Whittington, who was sidelined due to injury.
“Amazing,” Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel said when asked to describe the running backs’ performance. “Running hard. Everybody that got in there, you were able to see how tough they’re able to run. Shoot, Noah (Whittington) is just waiting his time to get healthy and all that. I think you see how talented that room is, and talent won’t be our issue. It’s definitely going to be coming together and everybody knowing their job.”
It remains to be seen how the carries are distributed come August and beyond, but James figures to play a leading role in the backfield along with Whittington and perhaps a regular dose of Harris along the goal line. Limar is someone expected to challenge his more experienced teammates for touches, too.
It is a good problem to have, and one coach Dan Lanning and company will likely spend the next several months contemplating — among several other components that will help define this Oregon team.
“Jordan (James), we’ve all seen what Jordan can do,” Lanning said. “Been really impressed with that. Those other guys in the room were running hard. I’m going to go back and look, but I think there’s some of those plays we could have been even more physical and opportunities to attack with even more pad level. But overall, I think we know what we have in that room. We have some guys we can compete with.”
MORE DUCKS COVERAGE
- News | Newsletter | Facebook | YouTube | Podcast
- Support local journalism with a subscription to OregonLive
- Contact Ryan Clarke at rclarke@oregonian.com