If you attended the spring game, you witnessed Dante Moore-Oregon’s projected QB1—adjust and demonstrate precisely why all the hype in Eugene. He ended the scrimmage 12-of-20 for 140 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions, but the box score doesn’t come close to summarizing it. What is impressive is Moore’s attitude, rather than worrying about the absence of a touchdown or defense dominating. Instead, he described the crowd in Autzen Stadium enjoying themselves alongside his teammates and showed how much he has developed as a leader this spring. “It was just a perfect, sunny day in Eugene, so I don’t complain,” he smiled.
The Oregon Ducks spring game made it clear that Moore wasn’t just the one creating the game. You couldn’t help but notice how much Dante Moore relied on his large, physical tight end to keep things rolling along. On that initial big drive, Moore connected with his tight end for a 25-yard chunk that turned field position in a flash, and you could just sense the confidence building with each link. The chemistry between them was apparent; Moore was constantly finding him in small windows, and the tight end reacted by leading all receivers in yards and catches.
A 254 lbs, Kenyon Sadiq is what we are talking about here. J.D. PicKell said on the On3 show, “The way they will utilize him, the way that he moves, and how athletic he is for his size at tight end reminds me of Brock Bowers. Like you’re throwing him a tunnel screen. He’s jumping over dudes. Wasn’t that what George did with Brock Bowers?”
Moore’s chemistry with tight end Kenyon Sadiq was evident—Sadiq corralled seven receptions for 102 yards. When you compare the emerging chemistry of Moore and his Oregon tight end, it has that thrilling, new-energy vibe like two guys who just click, particularly when the play breaks down or Moore requires a clutch reception.
Glancing at them, the host recalls another tight-end with the same talent, “He’s taking it 70 yards against Kent State. Isn’t that kind of what I think you can do with Kenyon Sadiq?” Brock Bowers wasn’t merely a safety valve- he was the motor, pacing Georgia in receptions, yards, and touchdowns annually, and appearing in the biggest games, such as national championships and playoff contests. Georgia trusted Brock so much that even on fourth down or when the Dawgs needed a jolt, he’d just launch it up and let Bowers do his thing.
“They want to get him 80 catches this upcoming season. If you’re force-feeding your tight end to get 80 receptions, you must be a special talent is all I’m going to say here,” PicKell said. Imagine this: a 6’3″, 245-pound tight end who hurdles defenders like a track athlete, and makes short passes into highlight reels. With Terrance Ferguson departed, Sadiq is the headliner now, and Lanning’s offense feeds on taking advantage of linebackers who can’t keep up with his speed or DBs who get run over by his size. Eighty catches? That’s Lanning yelling, Feed the beast! -turning Sadiq into Oregon’s go-to safety valve and red-zone demon while seasoning him for NFL scouts drooling over his potential.
Why does Lanning believe in his QBs?
Following a troubled first year at UCLA, Oregon’s acquisition of Dante Moore has been all polish and patience. He’s currently soaking up the QB knowledge at the feet of Dillon Gabriel in preparation for his 2025 ascension. Glimmers of what was to come in his future: composed reads, developing chemistry with playmakers Kenyon Sadiq, and that cool-in-the-pocket quality Ducks fans will adore. Teammates are already praising him as a future Heisman candidate, and it’s easy to see why—Moore’s arm talent is undeniable, but his maturity truly impresses.
Dan Lanning’s got a simple plan for Dante Moore: keep things simple, stick with the system, and let the playmakers like Kenyon Sadiq make their moves. Moore’s UCLA-to-Oregon transition wasn’t instant magic, but having a year’s experience and posting a solid spring, he can step up and lead without having to force the issue. If Moore gets that right, Ducks fans should be hyped-2025 can be one damn good season!
The post Dante Moore’s Oregon Future Takes Turn as Surprising 245-Lbs Intel Adds New Twist to Dan Lanning’s Woes appeared first on EssentiallySports.
