Although the tight end position hasn’t historically been a strong source of elite talent for the Oregon Ducks, they have been enhancing it lately. With Terrance Ferguson entering the draft last year to play for the Los Angeles Rams, Kenyon Sadiq is set to follow him into the NFL in a few months.
The Ducks face a considerable challenge in replenishing this position due to a significant number of transfer tight ends leaving, but fortunately, they have just received a commitment from an exciting prospect. Markus Dixon is making his way to Eugene next season after transferring from the Clemson Tigers due to a lack of playing opportunities.
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There’s no certainty that he will get playing time at Oregon either, but he has a significantly better chance given the limited turnover at the position. Here are five key points fans should be aware of regarding the new tight end on campus.
Dual Skill Set
The interesting factor about Dixon’s commitment is his experience switching between offense and defense. He played tight end during high school and at the beginning of his college journey, but transitioned to edge rusher last season at Clemson. Unfortunately, he didn’t see much action in either role, but that’s precisely why he’s joining the Ducks now. He will concentrate exclusively on tight end, though this versatility might aid him as Dan Lanning and his team define roles for the upcoming season.
Impressive Background
As a three-star recruit from high school, Dixon possesses recognizable talent. For reasons unknown, he struggled to earn playing time with the Tigers, but the Ducks are adept at reviving underperforming prospects. In fact, current quarterback Dante Moore faced challenges with the UCLA Bruins before transferring to Oregon, where he’s revitalized his career. Having some familiarity with Dixon could prove beneficial.
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A Connected World
Given all the prominent programs Lanning has been associated with, he has an extensive network. He is acquainted with his latest tight end, who received offers from both Oregon and the Georgia Bulldogs, Lanning’s previous team, before deciding on Clemson. With this background, integrating him into the team should be relatively smooth.
No Flashy Appearance
The Ducks have brought in various pass-catching tight ends in recent times, but Dixon will offer a different dynamic. With three capable receiving options already in the lineup, he is likely to take on more of a blocking role this season. However, he did spend three seasons at Clemson before his transfer, indicating he is committed to putting in the hard work.
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Still Plenty of Time
While Dixon will be fine taking on a blocking role, every tight end dreams of being among the select few who can create mismatches in the passing game. Fortunately for him, he can return next season since he has two years of eligibility left. Although there may be fewer opportunities for him this season, the position could become even less crowded by this time next year, possibly allowing him to highlight his receiving abilities. For now, he must stay focused and make an impact wherever possible.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Five things to know about Oregon Ducks’ newest TE Markus Dixon
