Oregon Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017
By Zach Bigalke
A big reason for Oregon’s swoon in 2016 was a slew of injuries that depleted depth along the offensive line. No loss was bigger than that of left tackle Tyrell Crosby, who was injured against Nebraska and did not see the field for the rest of the season. At that point the Ducks were 2-0 on the season and winning in Lincoln against the Cornhuskers.
After Crosby went down for the year, though, the Ducks went just 2-8 the rest of the way. His return will help anchor an offensive line that was forced to get young lineman experience earlier than expected. Entering his senior season, Crosby is the veteran of a still-young group that could make a major leap in 2017.
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As a true freshman, he saw the field in all 15 games as Oregon made a run to the Pac-12 title and the championship game of the inaugural College Football Playoff. He has started at both tackle positions, manning the right side in 2015 as a full-time starter. He slid over to the left in 2016 before injuries sidelined him for the balance.
Crosby will be hoping to rebound and restore Oregon’s position among the best offenses in the nation. He is the leader of a skilled line loaded throughout with underclassmen. If Crosby breaks out, he could help guide the Ducks back to the postseason and earn a high-round draft pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.