One day after being named to the All-Pac-12 first team, Oregon Ducks safety Verone McKinley III was selected to ESPN’s All-American team.
“The Ducks’ ball-hawking safety led the FBS with six interceptions and was second on his team with 72 tackles,” ESPN wrote of McKinley. “He picked off four passes in three games in September, including one at the Oregon 35-yard line that sealed the Ducks’ 35-28 upset victory at Ohio State on Sept. 11. Six of his 11 career interceptions have come in the red zone. A high school coach’s son, McKinley has grown up around the game and anticipates routes as well as anyone.”
McKinley is the only Oregon player to receive the honor this year and was one of only two Pac-12 players recognized, alongside Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd Jr. who was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year on Monday.
McKinley was a big bright spot in an up-and-down season in Eugene, which will conclude on December 29 in the Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma – even as fans ponder the future of the program following coach Mario Cristobal’s surprise departure.
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