Oregon Football: 5 freshman Ducks who’ll make a splash in 2019

1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Weak-Side Defensive End

You had to know this was coming. You don’t work your whole life to develop into the nations second-best recruit and sign to a school to not play in your inaugural season. Kayvon Thibodeaux chose to attend Oregon on December 15, over a long list of schools that include Florida, Alabama, USC, and Florida State.

Thibodeaux had a legitimate argument for the top spot in this recruiting class and it’s not hard to see why when you watch him play. He has all the measurables of an NFL defensive lineman, he’s quick, and he’s extremely talented. He absolutely mows down offensive lineman and can easily make tackles on opposing running backs or quarterbacks if he really gets going. The door is wide open from Thibodeaux to start right away with Jalen Jelks graduating and an offseason in the weight room getting him up to speed.

Some problems I’ve seen with Thibodeaux is his attitude. He has a tendency to get out of sync and play a little undisciplined. He also likes to talk and can get himself into some chippy situations if he decides to talk to the wrong opponent. But from purely a talent standpoint, he’s the man for the job and Jim Leavitt has to be sitting in his chair daydreaming about what this kid can accomplish in the next three to four years.