The Oregon Ducks brought in Dan Lanning as the head coach in December 2021. Since then, the team has won back-to-back conference championships, including a Big Ten title in the program’s first year with the conference.
With this success, many of Lanning’s players are taking the next step to the NFL. Some of these prospects are trying to elevate their draft stock at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.
Dan Lanning Visits His Players at Senior Bowl Practice
Among the players raising their stock at the Senior Bowl are wide receiver Tez Johnson, linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, and tight end Terrance Ferguson. So, to support the athletes he has helped coach, Lanning met up with them during practices, as seen on his Instagram post on Jan. 30. The post was captioned:
“Great seeing our guys in action in the @reesesseniorbowl! Big thanks to @jimnagy_seniorbowl for always running a first-class experience. @oregonfootball”
The post was a carousel of pictures of him beside his players, including Bassa, Ferguson, Johnson, quarterback Dillon Gabriel, left tackle Josh Conerly Jr., and defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell.
Johnson, in particular, has been a sight to behold at Senior Bowl practices with his one-on-one drills against some of the best defensive backs in the sport.
Tez Johnson continues to look unguardable at the Senior Bowl 💥
🎥: @SamMonsonNFL pic.twitter.com/uE2DvFFsXQ https://t.co/OAj8CnMEHY
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 30, 2025
Johnson might not be the biggest guy on the field at 5’9 and 156 pounds, but he more than makes up for it with his lightning-fast quickness and knack for getting past defenders. Over two seasons with the Ducks, he accumulated 169 catches, 2,080 yards, and 20 scores.
Meanwhile, Ferguson has possibly raised his stock by displaying his speed against defenders and getting open downfield.
Terrance Ferguson (TE, Oregon) is definitely going to be a riser this week at the #SeniorBowl! @AtoZSportsNFL crew are fans already pic.twitter.com/RMI6d5ZyCt
— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) January 28, 2025
At 6’5″ and 255 pounds, the tight end is a big target and a good pass catcher. In his four years at Oregon, he caught 134 passes for 1,537 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Bassa, on the other hand, has been caught breaking down huddles during bowl practices. The linebacker made 54 total tackles in 2024.
Falcons fans talk about Chris Paul Jr, Barrett Carter, Jihaad Campbell etc. at off-ball LB. Start talking about Oregon LB Jeffrey Bassa more after the Senior Bowl
The safety convert is quick in space & has his best football ahead of him. Would be a major athleticism upgrade. pic.twitter.com/FPDXy8umAA
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) January 29, 2025
Oregon’s 2024 season has set up an incredible draft class for the Ducks. Apart from Heisman finalist Gabriel, Johnson, running back Jordan James, and defensive end Jordan Burch are expected to be selected in the top few rounds of the NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, others like left tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and defensive tackle Derrick Harmon are projected to be Day 1 picks.
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