Oregon eyes receiver Jeremiah McClellan's crucial development. Coach Lanning details his passion, versatility, and the mental growth needed for a breakout year.
With injuries to Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. last season, Oregon relied more heavily on Jeremiah McClellan during its College Football Playoff run during his freshman season.
McClellan finished the season with 38 receptions for 557 yards and three touchdowns. The six-foot, 195-pound athlete from St. Louis, Missouri, could be set to have a breakout season for the Ducks in 2026.
When speaking to reporters on Saturday, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning talked about McClellan's progress from last season to this spring. The Ducks love his passion, but Lanning would like to see him mature in some areas mentally.
"Mac actually talked to the team today after practice," Lanning said, via 247 Sports. "He's got unbelievable passion and energy. Sometimes that can be your greatest strength, and sometimes that can be your greatest weakness. He knows that. He's self-aware of that.
"So I think it's just continuing to own that temperament of, I've got to be the guy that can get high when I need to get high, but also be neutral when I need to be neutral as well."
In addition to maturing mentally, McClellan is working to become a more well-rounded receiver. Lanning noted he's making great catches. He's also working on becoming a better run blocker.
Lanning and Oregon have been cautious with the receiver, trying to "protect" him before the regular season, as injuries hit the position hard last year.
Oregon has been impressed with how versatile McClellan's play has been.
"I think he's a smart player," Lanning said. "We've been able to move him around. He's played a lot of positions here for us, and that's showing up this spring, whether he's in the slot or at X or Z. So that versatility has been really good to see.
"There are times where we're really conscientious of what we're putting him in situationally so we can make sure we protect him and get him to the season. But we want to be able to see that physicality show up as we continue through spring ball. But he's been the player we hoped he would be."
McClellan's progress should give Oregon more confidence with its skilled players before the regular season.
Still, the question remains how the offensive line will be able to grow before the regular season. They need to block long enough for quarterback Dante Moore to hit his receivers.