EUGENE — Oregon’s wide receiver corps is being retooled this offseason and one newcomer has made a strong first impression.
Josh Delgado, one of four freshmen receiver signees for Oregon, was the only to enroll early enough to be on campus for winter workouts and the first five spring practices. He took advantage of the head start.
“He’s very impressive,” wide receivers coach Jovon Bouknight said. “From Day 1 he came in competing and he’s sharp mentally. I am able to move him inside, outside. I love what his makeup is. The kid right now, he’s competing, he’s catching balls and he’s flashy right now.”
Delgado is currently working primarily in the slot behind Jaylon Redd, Oregon’s leading returning receiver. Moving ahead of Redd probably won’t be in Delgado’s short-term future, but Oregon needs to improve its depth at the position and he should be able to help there immediately.
“Josh is a good technical receiver,” Redd said. “Got good hands, very confident.”
With Brenden Schooler and Johnny Johnson III working at the outside receiver spots and Juwan Johnson almost definitely set to be the starter at split end when he arrives, the four freshmen will likely be looking to find reps mostly at flanker and in the slot.
This isn’t to look past redshirt-freshmen Bryan Addison, JJ Tucker or Isaah Crocker, who are all also vying for roles.
Fellow receiver signee Mycah Pittman is due to arrive on campus after spring break so Justin Herbert will have time to develop chemistry with two of his newest weapons before the summer.
Most importantly, Delgado is already starting to earn the trust of his quarterback.
“He’s really athletic,” Herbert said. “He came in and knew he exactly what he was doing. He knows the offense well and he’s able to run with us. It’s been fun to watch.”