The anticipation in the air can only mean one thing: The onset of fall camp is upon us!

August 3 is the date circled on the calendars of Duck fans near and far, as that is the day fall camp officially opens at the University of Oregon. The month of practices that follow will not only give coaches, members of the media, and fans a sneak peek at the team for the upcoming season, but it will also serve as an opportunity to simultaneously answer and facilitate a litany of questions surrounding position battles and movement along the depth chart.

More importantly, it means we’re only one month away from the start of football season.

As we countdown the days, WFOD will preview each position group, providing an early snapshot of the depth chart, as well as handout a few superlatives to help set expectations for the season.

Today, WFOD’s Preseason Superlatives series continues with the tight ends.

Tight End:

The Projected Depth Chart:

Jacob Breeland (RJr.)/Cam McCormick (RSo.)/Ryan Bay (RJr.)/Hunter Kampmoyer (RSo.)/Kano Dillon (Sr.)/Spencer Webb (Fr.)

The Duke: Jacob Breeland

Considering his experience and the fact he led all Oregon receivers with five touchdown catches a year ago, Jacob Breeland is a no brainer for his distinction as “The Duke” of the Duck tight end group. In relation to the rest of the offense, however, Breeland may actually be closer to X-factor status. Despite battling injuries of his own last season, Breeland still found ways to produce, though was undoubtedly (and unsurprisingly) at his best when Justin Herbert was in the lineup. In fact, half of Breeland’s receptions and nearly half of his receiving yards in 2017 came in the first four games of the season prior to Herbert’s injury, hinting that his sophomore campaign contained breakout-level production that ultimately went untapped. Fortunately for Breeland, he’ll get at least one more crack at it with Herbert at the helm to step into the spotlight and assert himself as a reliable weapon in the Oregon offense. If he does, Breeland helps unlock an offensive dimension that could produce frightening results for opposing defenses.

The X-factor: Cam McCormick

Cam McCormick’s career at Oregon didn’t exactly get off to an auspicious start. After redshirting his first year on campus, the Bend native went into his second year looking to make a strong push for playing time alongside Breeland, However, those efforts hit a bit of a snag after McCormick and two other players were hospitalized in January 2017 after a series of intense winter workouts led to rhabdomyolysis. McCormick saw a positive return to health that spring and was able to lock down regular playing time last fall, appearing in all 13 games and notching six receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown. Though mostly used as an additional blocker in the run he received in 2017, McCormick has the versatility to become a weapon in the passing game if he can continue his consistent play. Breeland will almost certainly command the majority of the targets to tight ends, but McCormick’s steady development offers Oregon offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo greater creative license when game-planning for opponents, not to mention a trusty backup option in the event Breeland is hobbled by injury.

The Upstart: Spencer Webb

Of all the incoming freshmen from the Ducks’ 2018 recruiting class, one could argue that no one is generating more positive buzz than Spencer Webb. The former four-star recruit from Sacramento was rated as one of the top tight ends on the West Coast coming out of high school, and has the look of a player who could make an instant impact as a true freshman. The challenge, however, will be ascending a depth chart that isn’t light on capable bodies. Not only are Breeland and McCormick more or less entrenched as regulars at the position, but Webb will also have to contend with USF grad transfer Kano Dillon, who provides the Ducks with added size and athleticism in heavy formations. Still, Webb is the kind of player who will be very difficult to keep off the field. Though he’s only a freshman, he possesses perhaps the best all-around athletic tools of any tight end on the roster and is a player to keep a close eye on this fall.

WFOD’s Preseason Superlatives: Quarterback Preview
WFOD’s Preseason Superlatives: Running Back Preview
WFOD’s Preseason Superlatives: Wide Receiver Preview