Dillon Gabriel and Tez Johnson: A Potent Quarterback-Wide Receiver Duo for the 2024 Oregon Ducks
On paper, the 2024 Oregon Ducks football team appears to boast the most talented lineup in program history, largely due to their abundance of experience on the offensive side of the field. The significant change in Oregon’s roster is the departure of Bo Nix and the arrival of Dillon Gabriel, who is poised to take on the role of the Ducks’ next quarterback.
While the transition to a new QB may require some adjustment time for the Ducks’ offense, Gabriel possesses all the necessary qualities to emerge as a top-tier leader for Oregon. His effectiveness as a quarterback will be greatly enhanced by the talented players surrounding him, with senior wide receiver Tez Johnson arguably standing out as the most crucial asset.
In the 2023 season, although Tez Johnson wasn’t the top wide receiver on the team, he still delivered one of the most impressive receiving performances in the history of the school. Across 14 games, Johnson amassed 86 receptions (the highest by any Duck in a single season), 1182 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns.
Recently, 247 Sports released their rankings of the top 10 quarterback-wide receiver duos, placing Gabriel and Johnson at No. 2 on the list. As both players head into their final college football season, their combined talent and experience are expected to make them a formidable combination on the field.
Defenses will have their hands full with these passing attacks. 🔥
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— 247Sports (@247Sports) February 16, 2024
The Gabriel-to-Johnson connection holds the potential to be particularly potent due to the shared desire of both players to push the ball downfield. While Gabriel may not possess the strongest arm in the world, he demonstrates willingness and accuracy in delivering deep passes. Moreover, Johnson’s ability to consistently beat defenses over the top was evident throughout the 2023 season.
Given Johnson’s frequent presence in the slot, it’s likely that Gabriel will frequently target him on seam routes, exploiting the soft spots in defensive zones for significant gains. Additionally, Johnson is poised to become a reliable target for Gabriel on crucial 3rd and 4th down plays, regardless of whether the pass is directed over the middle, to the boundary, or deep downfield.
