EUGENE — Kenyon Sadiq continues to make the most of the instances when he’s gotten the chance to play more for Oregon.
With Terrance Ferguson missing last week’s game at Purdue due to an appendectomy, the sophomore tight end played 36 snaps out of UO’s 60 offensive plays and had two catches for a career-high 58 yards in the 35-0 win.
“It’s a lot of fun to get out there and let loose,” Sadiq said. “An unfortunate circumstance that got (me) there, but it was good to get out there. … I think it’s always being ready, was kind of preparing the same way; coaches are pretty big on that.
“Nothing really changed, obviously it was nice to get in a little more.”
RELATED: Bill Oram: Who cares that Oregon is No. 1? Not Dan Lanning and not you, got it?
No. 1 Oregon (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) vs. No. 20 Illinois (6-1, 3-1)
- When: Saturday, Oct. 26
- Time: 12:30 p.m. PT
- Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene
- TV channel: CBS
- Stream: Watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial). If you already have a cable provider, use your login information to watch this game on cbssports.com.
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Sadiq showed his athleticism and speed on a cutback that broke for a 39-yard reception, also a career long.
“I thought I could try and get the edge,” Sadiq said. “I got a little tired, I’m not going to lie, towards the end there. I thought I’d give it a shot.”
The Ducks scored on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel to Tez Johnson on the ensuing play to take a 21-0 lead.
“Kenyon’s a talented guy and I think for a lot of guys, I think it’s when they get the opportunity and their name is called you’re able to see what they can do on the field,” quarterback Dillon Gabriel said. “Definitely exciting for him and I think it’s something that he’s been working for this whole time and now we’re able to see it so I’m proud of him.”
It was the second time Sadiq got the chance for significantly more reps early in his career and he’s produced in both instances. He scored his first career touchdown in the Fiesta Bowl thanks in part to Casey Kelly seeing less snaps before entering the transfer portal once the season ended.
With Ferguson’s status for Saturday’s game against No. 20 Illinois still unclear — the senior was at the facility on Tuesday, according to Gabriel, though it’s unclear if he practiced — Sadiq could once again see a lot of action.
Sadiq poses a significant threat to defenses and his presence gives Oregon another target in the passing game regardless of personnel group, but also opened the playbook to a three receiver and two tight end grouping against Ohio State that offensive coordinator Will Stein had not shown previously.
“Utilizing different things, making defenses adjust to what we do it big,” Sadiq said.
He’s ascended to Oregon’s No. 5 receiver this season and his blocking has improved to where the coaches have trusted him to be in more meaningful situations.
“That’s like my biggest improvement for sure,” Sadiq said. “I’m feeling a lot more comfortable in all areas whether it’s perimeter blocking or down on the line of scrimmage. I feel really comfortable using my technique and lower pad level.”
— James Crepea covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten. Listen to the Ducks Confidential podcast or subscribe to the Ducks Roundup newsletter.
