Oregon Players to Watch for in the National Championship

We all know about Marcus Mariota and his QB prowess, and what he’s likely to bring to the table as we count down to next week’s inaugural college football championship game. But this year’s Heisman Trophy winner isn’t the only Duck taking the field in Arlington, Texas that could turn heads and draw attention, as there are many members that make Oregon such a stealthy Pac-12 contingent.

Let’s look past the lack of florescent highlighter jerseys for a second to focus in on a couple Oregon players that we are hoping to see big performances from at AT&T Stadium next Monday.

Evan Baylis (TE)– Look up any profile article leading up to the Monday’s Championship Game, and the six-foot-six sophomore’s name will probably be highlighted. Steve Lassan of Athlon Sports called Baylis “another dangerous option for (Marcus) Mariota” as he adds “speed and vertical threats” to the Ducks’ passing game. Baylis did big things for Oregon in this year’s Rose Bowl, notching a season-high six passes for 73 yards against Florida State. He’s definitely a standout that OSU’s defense should be mindful of.

Keanon Lowe (WR)ESPN’s Chantel Jennings points out that Lowe isn’t just the head of Oregon’s receiving corps, but that his leadership is part of what makes him a pivotal part of Oregon’s offense.

In Jennings’ article she quotes Mariota, saying, “Keanon taught a lot of these guys what they’re doing out there on the field,  and they all look to him as their leader.”

Hroniss Grasu (center)– Another player who helps Mariota out in the leadership category is big-body center Grasu–a pivotal part of an offensive line that has suffered many bumps and bruises during the season. The six-foot-three senior is what Anne M. Peterson of the AP calls Oregon’s “anchor.” Needless to say, he will have to use his ability to hold the offensive line together against the Buckeyes’ defense. And while we are on the subject of defense…

Basically all of Oregon’s defense– Defensive lineman Arik Armstead told CSNNW’s Aaron Fentress that finding a key to stopping Ohio State’s run game early on is Oregon’s big “issue”–more so than getting to Buckeye quarterback Cardale Jones. OSU’s ground game will be the best that the Ducks have faced all season, with Ezekiel Elliott alone leading the team with 1,402 rushing yards. Keeping Ohio State stilted on the rush could be one of the biggest keys to Oregon notching a win in the first ever CFP championship game.

 

*Section Photo credit to Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to James Snook, USA Today Sports. 

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