Over the next two weeks, the Pac-12 blog will be be looking around the conference at several players who really stood out during spring ball. It’s only 15 practices, but it’s enough time to catch the eyes of coaches and gain momentum going into the season.
Today we make our stop at Oregon.
Breakout player: WR Devon Allen
2013 statistics: Redshirted
The case for Allen: After the 2013 season, quarterback Marcus Mariota lost three of his top four receivers -- Josh Huff, Daryle Hawkins and De'Anthony Thomas. Then in spring ball the Ducks lost Bralon Addison to injury, leaving the wide receiving corps depleted and in need of a playmaker.
Enter: Allen. The redshirt freshman had a phenomenal spring for the Ducks and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The dual-sport Duck (he also runs track) emerged as one of the leading candidates for a starting spot in the fall after entering the spring as a relative unknown.
Allen provides top-end burner speed and, having redshirted last season, he has spent a lot of time in the playbook while learning from more experienced players. Those attributes could be enough to propel him to a very big season for the Ducks. Between Huff, Hawkins, Thomas and Addison, the Ducks will be looking to replace more than 2,500 receiving yards. Look for Allen to be a guy who could have a 600- or 700-yard season.
Other breakout players:
Arizona: WR Cayleb Jones
Cal: RB Daniel Lasco
Colorado: WR Bryce Bobo