Oregon
How Oregon Ducks are approaching kickoff, punt return in 2023 after dreadful 2022
For the past generation Oregon has been known for its dynamic special teams players, regularly ranking among the top 25 in punt and kickoff returns.
It’s what makes last season’s dismal results all the more bizarre. The Ducks averaged just 18.81 yards per kickoff return, 90th nationally, and 4.92 yards per punt return, 106th of 131 FBS teams, marking the lowest results for the program since at least 1980.
While some fans fret over valuable players like leading receiver Troy Franklin and top running back Bucky Irving possibly increasing their exposure to hits by playing on special teams, No. 15 Oregon can’t afford to repeat such dreadful results this season. Oregon has called upon some of its elite players in return roles in the past, including Jevon Holland, De’Anthony Thomas, LaMichael James and Kenyon Barner and an influx of talent at the skill positions gives UO more options in the return game.