3/28/2020 football Edit

Better or worse: Tight end

Spencer Webb hauled in three touchdowns in 2019. He might have the best hands on the squad, and he's bulked up to 6-6, 251 after some diligent work in the Fourth Quarter program. (Tom Corno)

Dale Newton • DuckSportsAuthority

Staff Writer

In this series, we'll break down position groups to discuss whether the Ducks will be better or worse across the board as they prepare for defending their conference title and building on last year's 12-2 finish.

Next up, Tight End

Key losses: Jake Breeland, Ryan Bay, Matt Mariota.

Returning: Cam McCormick (Sr.), Hunter Kampmoyer (Sr.), Spencer Webb (R-So.), Patrick Herbert (R-Fr.) D.J. Johnson (Jr.), walk-on Tyler Nanney, 6-7, 250 from Amador HS in Pleasanton, CA.

Key additions: None. The Ducks struck out at the tight end position in 2020. It's a big priority for 2021 recruiting, with several promising targets, particularly in the West.

2019 Production: Breeland 26 rec, 405 yards, 6 TDs in 6 games (season-ending knee injury versus Cal). Webb 18 rec, 209 yards, 3 TDs, Kampmoyer 5 rec 59 yards 1 TD, Bay 5 rec 54 yards, 1 TD, Tackle Brady Aiello 1 rec 1 yard 1TD (lined up as a third tight end versus Nevada).

Coaching: Bobby Williams, third year at Oregon.

Better or worse prediction: Better. It's reasonable to assume that the team will have better injury luck in 2020 after losing both McCormick and Breeland early in the season last fall. One of the talented candidates, McCormick, Webb and Herbert, all 4-star recruits, has to pan out. And D.J. Johnson, a converted defensive end, has tantalizing athletic ability at 6-5, 258.

Better or Worse scorecard

Position group	Better/Worse	Comment
Quarterback	Better	Herbert was a great talent, but the 2020 offense is likely to be more cohesive and productive under Joe Moorhead, less predictable. The QB stats may not be better, but the scoring will be.
Running back	Better	Three productive juniors return, with the addition of Sean Dollars and Trey Benson.
Offensive line	Worse	The likely starting group for 2020, Sewell, Poutasi or Bass, Forsyth, Sala Beast and Steven Jones, will average about three Popeye's biscuits more than 325 pounds a man.
Tight end	Better	With some better injury luck the Ducks may line up a true pass catcher at the TE spot, and new offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead makes great use of both tight ends and H-Backs in a varied offense.