Oregon HC Dan Lanning Compares Kenyon Sadiq and Jamari Johnson
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The receiver corps for the Oregon Ducks rightfully gets a lot of attention, but a lot of people are sleeping on tight end Jamari Johnson.
A receiver trio of Jeremiah McClellan, Dakorien Moore, and Evan Stewart should be one of the best in the country. Still, Oregon lost its two leading receivers from last year, Malik Benson and Kenyon Sadiq.
Sadiq was taken in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning liked Sadiq not only as a receiver, but the way he could come in and be an efficient run-blocker for the offense.
During the Big Ten Media Days in Chicago on Wednesday, Lanning talked about what he thinks Johnson can do in his second season with Oregon. He believes he can be special like Sadiq last season.
"Also got the opportunity to bring Jamari Johnson," Lanning said, via USA Today. "Jamari, you know, last year I sat up here and I talked about a tight end at Oregon and how special he was in Kenyon Sadiq. Jamari's also that special. He was a guy that we recruited out of high school.
"Actually, he used to play quarterback, and he just kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger. He can run, he can block, he can catch. If you've seen Jamari today, that means you've also seen his smile. He's a guy that makes you feel really special every time he steps in the room, and I'm certainly excited to see what he's able to accomplish this year in our offense."
Johnson initially played for Louisville in 2024 before transferring to Oregon last season. He recorded 32 receptions for 510 yards and three touchdowns last season.
Johnson is poised for greater things in the upcoming season, and could boost his NFL stock for 2027 with a solid effort working with quarterback Dante Moore.
Oregon has another tight end who could show promise this fall. Freshman Kendre Harrison, a six-foot-six, 250-pound athlete, was a highly-touted recruit for the 2026 class, and could grow into a larger role as the season progresses.
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