The dream for any veteran college wide receiver is to make it through your career at school and build a strong bond with your quarterback, cemented over several seasons together with far more highs than lows.
For Oregon’s Mycah Pittman, who is entering his third season with the Ducks, that hasn’t been possible. After catching passes from both Justin Herbert and Tyler Shough in his first to years at Oregon, Pittman will once again be asked to connect with a new QB, this time Anthony Brown Jr.
Pittman was able to see Brown come into the program a year ago, and while a COVID-riddled season shook things up, the two have been able to form a bond over the past year. It didn’t happen easily, though. Pittman said on Wednesday that the two had to work on it, and are continuing to do so on and off the field.
“It’s really hard, connections with quarterbacks have to be built. It’s not just going to happen overnight,” Pittman said after Wednesday’s practice. “Getting a lot of reps with him, he’s knowing where I’m at. He also wakes up pretty early with me and will hop in the film room at 6:30 and we’ll just break down things together. I’m telling him what I’m gonna give him today and what I have in my arsenal today. So he’s always willing to listen to me, and I’m always willing to listen to him.”
Fortunately for both players, they’ve been able to enjoy a full offseason together, fit with both spring and fall camp to develop a relationship. There is a deep stable of receivers on the Oregon roster, fit with both veteran options and a couple of true freshmen that might make waves this season in Troy Franklin and Dont’e Thronton.
One of the main attractions, though, is going to be the connection between No. 13 and No. 4. When Pittman has been healthy, he’s capable of being one of the best receivers on the roster. Health has always been an issue, though, with only 11 games played over the past two seasons.
“I’m just focused. This is my third year and it’s time to get ready,” Pittman said. “Injuries are over with for me, I’m just, like I said, I’m ready to go and I feel great. I’ve been super locked in going over film and whatever I can do, the little things that will get me open and help me catch the ball. All of these things, just whatever it takes.”
Health is the key, but if Pittman can stay on the field and display this connection with Brown over the next few months, there’s no telling how dynamic this Oregon offense can be.
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