Oregon Football: 5 incoming freshmen who could start in 2018

While Oregon is losing a starting safety this offseason, the Ducks will also be looking for a replacement at cornerback for Arrion Springs. There’s no clear replacement at that cornerback spot, so that’s where three-star Verone McKinley III comes into play.

When you watch the highlight reel of the incoming freshman from Carrollton, Texas, you’d realize that he has what it takes to make plays at the next level. His innate ability to read the opposing quarterback’s eyes is impressive and he jumps routes with the best of them.

Jim Leavitt has some talented incoming freshmen to work with on the defensive side of the ball and he’s one of those great minds who can get the most out of his guys. He turned the Ducks’ defense completely around in the one year under Willie Taggart’s control.

McKinley III could be a big piece to his puzzle for years to come and it wouldn’t be much of a shock to see the nation’s 38th-best cornerback recruit on the field right away.