If there’s one thing the Oregon Ducks have always had since the start of the PAC-12 era (and the years leading up to expansion), it’s star power. Big-name recruits with four and five star labels bestowed upon them are the norm in Eugene, and this year is no different, especially on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, draft guru Mel Kiper already has one Duck pegged as his top pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
Sophomore defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (6’5”, 258 lbs) is looking to join a rare field of NFL athletes who were drafted number one overall while also being rated as the top high school recruit in the nation, a club that so far includes only Jadaveon Clowney and Trevor Lawrence.