Oregon Football Spring Preview: Veterans Lead Exciting Tight End Room

The Ducks have a proven pair of starters with a hand full of intriguing underclassmen that could make an impact.

We're closing in on the start of Oregon Spring football practice with each day, and today I'm continuing my position preview with a look at the tight ends.

Drew Mehringer continues to elevate the position by coaching up the players he has on the roster, while also adding more promising talent to the mix.

I've already taken a look at quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers, so make sure to give those a read if you haven't already. 

Senior Terrance Ferguson

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

2023 stats: 42 receptions, 414 receiving yards, 6 receiving TD

Terrance Ferguson headlines the tight end room in Eugene as he enters his fourth season with the Ducks. He's your ideal blend of power and athleticism at the position. He checked in at 6'5", 255 pounds on the 2023 roster and can block while also making big plays in the passing game.

Ferguson is a great fit for what Will Stein's offense and he made a small leap in production from 2022 to 2023, catching 10 more balls for 23 more yards and an additional touchdown. He's a great threat in the red zone and will hurt opposing defenses that don't spotlight him in their game plans.

Redshirt Senior Patrick Herbert

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

2023 stats: 15 receptions, 196 receiving yards, 3 receiving TD

Patrick Herbert looks like he's finally found his stride. The Eugene native has played two full seasons after battling injury each year since his arrival at the U of O in 2019.

Herbert impressed me with the work he was able to do as a run blocker for the Ducks last year, but he also has a solid ability to make plays after the catch as well. He's gained momentum in his development each year and fans should expect that to continue in his final college season.

Sophomore Kenyon Sadiq

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

2023 stats: 5 receptions, 24 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD | 1 carry, 12 rushing yards

Ranked the No. 1 player in Idaho, Sadiq was still an under-the-radar signing for Drew Mehringer and the Ducks in 2023. He was the only tight end they signed from the prep ranks and he's a unique blend of size, speed and athleticism at 6'3", 235 pounds. 

Perhaps he wasn't drawing much attention as a true freshman behind Ferguson and Herbert, but Stein looks set on drawing up plays to get him the ball on sweeps out of the backfield and the ball in space. A larger role for the rising talent seems likely heading into 2024 and his development will be fun to watch. 

True Freshman Roger Saleapaga

Roger Saleapaga on Instagram| Edit: Kenny Breland

2023 stats: 46 receptions, 671 receiving yards, 5 receiving TD 

Saleapaga is one of my favorite signees from the 2024 recruiting class because his tape is so fun to watch. He won't blow you away with his route running, but he's dangerous with the ball in his hands at 6'4", 220 pounds.

To me he looks like a jumbo athlete of sorts, playing an interesting role that almost crossed him between a tight end and wide receiver. He had a knack for big plays at Orem High in Utah, where the Ducks found Noah Sewell. 

Similar to Sadiq upon arrival, Saleapaga is going to need to put on some weight and I expect him to redshirt, however the staff should get the most that they can out of those four games.

True Freshman A.J. Pugliano

A.J. Pugaliano on Instagram (@aj.pugliano)

2023 stats: 37 receptions, 452 receiving yards, 7 receiving TD

Pugliano has a surprising amount of big plays as a defensive lineman on his senior film, but it'll be a plus for him to put all of his focus squarely on tight end. He was the first player to commit to Oregon in the 2024 cycle, and it's hard not to get excited about the Oregon natives, because it feels like being a Duck and having the chance to represent their home state takes on a special meaning for them.

If you turn on the film he displayed strong hands and an ability to high-point the ball in the red zone. Like Saleapaga, he too might be a bit more of a project that needs to put on weight at 6'3", 220 pounds. 

The Ducks have a strong history of quality play at the position and Drew Mehringer should continue to elevate it with this group.

I'll continue to roll out spring football preview content between now and next Thursday as the excitement builds for spring football in Eugene, which will kick off on Thursday March 14 following Oregon's Pro Day on Tuesday March 12.

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