CJ

Verdell

Verdell (5'8/210) missed most of the 2021 season after suffering a leg injury. He has dealt with injuries throughout his career, but when he’s on the field he’s a force. He has the quick-cut ability and knows how to find gaps and burst through the holes for large gains. With the lack of playing time over the last couple of years, he will likely be picked up in the mid-rounds. With Travis Dye, the man who replaced Verdell last season, transferring to UCLA, Bryon Caldwell looks to be the lead back in Oregon as of this moment.

Verdell (5'8/210) injured his left leg in Saturday’s loss to Stanford and Mario Cristoball ruled him out for the rest of the season this afternoon after practice. The Ducks will miss Verdell, as he had rushed for 397 yards and five touchdowns, while adding two more touchdowns through the air. With Verdell out, they will lean on Travis Dye and a trio of freshman running backs.

Verdell (5'8/210) had 17 carries for 63 yards and one touchdown before being carted off the field with a leg injury. Head coach Mario Cristobal shared after the game that there is currently no time table for Verdell’s return as we wait for more details on this injury. Verdell leads Oregon in rushing with 420 yards and seven touchdowns on 78 carries.

Verdell (5'8/210) suffered the injury on a rushing attempt late in the third quarter, and was unable to put any weight on the leg while being helped off the field. Hopefully the injury isn’t as severe as it appeared to be. Verdell has since been taken to the locker room via cart, which means that Travis Dye will shoulder much of the load. QB Anthony Brown would also become even more involved in the run game.

It was a strange game for Verdell (5'10/190), as he managed just 11 totes and 4.1 yards per attempt. He and Travis Dye were productive, as the latter had five runs for a game-high 92 yards, but it was rather curious that the Ducks duo had a total of 16 rushing attempts against the undermanned Wildcats. Verdell and the Ducks will look for better results on the ground at Stanford next Saturday.

Verdell (5'10/210) added three catches for 34 yards and another score during the enormous afternoon -- Verdell led the Ducks in both receptions and receiving yards. Oregon’s offensive line dominated Ohio State’s front throughout the day and Verdell took advantage. Take, for instance, his explosive 77-yard touchdown run at the beginning of the third quarter. The Ducks’ offensive line opened a Red Sea-sized hole, and Verdell only required a minor cut to free himself from a safety and get into the open field. From there, Verdell only had to shake off a tackle attempt near the goal line of a defensive back who caught him from behind.

Verdell got his touchdown early in this game. At the two-yard line, Fresno State stuffed him twice, but on the third attempt, he was able to sneak in and get Oregon on the board first.


Verdell didn’t see much action for a while as junior RB Travis Dye (5'10"/190) would get some work. When the Ducks took the 31-24 lead late in the fourth quarter, it was Verdell that converted the first downs to run out the clock.


Verdell and Oregon head to Ohio State in marquee matchup.

It was reported last Thursday that Verdell (5'10/210) was held out of practice, but no reason was given as to why. The issue has apparently been addressed, as the junior was a full participant in Tuesday’s full pads practice. Verdell and fellow veteran Travis Dye will once again be key figures in the backfield for the Ducks, especially with Sean Dollars still working his way back from injury. Two other names to keep in mind are those of freshmen Seven McGee and Byron Cardwell, with the former receiving praise from OC Joe Moorhead for his versatility.

Verdell (5'10/210) was held out of practice along with starting guard Ryan Walk and highly-touted four-star freshman LT Kinglsey Sumataia. The junior tailback was injured during Oregon’s loss to Oregon State back on November 27. And while he was able to play the following week against Cal, the redshirt junior running back had to leave that game early and was not available for the Ducks’ win over USC in the Pac-12 Championship Game. He also was held out of spring, so while this could simply be a maintenance day off the situation merits monitoring due to Verdell’s recent injuries.

Verdell (5'10/210) was originally injured during Oregon’s loss to Oregon State back on November 27. And while he was able to play the following week against Cal, the redshirt junior running back had to leave that game early and was not available for the Ducks’ win over USC in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Verdell has rushed for 285 yards and three touchdowns on 65 carries, while also catching nine passes for another 86 yards. Travis Dye and to a lesser extent Sean Dollars played well when Verdell was unavailable. Verdell and Dye figure to lead the way while Dollars’ health status is uncertain.