2023 is expected to be the season where the top-rated offensive lineman in Oregon Ducks school history finally comes into his own.
The word “finally” is a bit misleading there, because as a true sophomore, former 5-star recruit Josh Conerly Jr. hasn’t had a massive opportunity to show what he’s capable of yet with the Ducks, but he did turn heads several times as a true freshman, even catching a touchdown pass on his birthday against the Colorado Buffaloes.
However, with a remade offensive line in Eugene this year, Conerly is expected to step up as one of the driving forces of the unit this season. So it doesn’t come as a surprise to see him named to the Outland Trophy watch list, highlighting the players identified as potentially the best offensive linemen in the nation this season.
7⃣6⃣ is ready to roll 😤@joshuaconerlyjr 🤝 @outlandtrophy #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/aUYrVGgG5k
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) August 1, 2023
The Ducks lost four of their five starting offensive lineman from a year ago, and there will now be heavy competition to fill the remaining starting spots. Among those competing are Conerly, Ajani Cornelius, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Marcus Harper, Junior Angilau, and Nishad Strother.
The only player in Oregon history to win the Outland Trophy was Penei Sewell, who received the honor in 2019, two years before being selected by the Detroit Lions with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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