Success breeds continued success

Media Credit: Jarod Opperman Redshirt sophomore Ed Dickson will play tight end this season for the Ducks after playing in 13 games at defensive end, wide receiver, tight end and special teams during his freshman campaign. [Click to enlarge]

Over the last decade, the tight end position has been one of the Oregon offense's perennial strengths. Not only has the position been productive for the Oregon offense, it has also become fertile ground for growing NFL-quality talent.

Oregon's last four starting tight ends have all ascended to the professional ranks. Justin Peelle was drafted by the San Diego Chargers and is currently with the Miami Dolphins. George Wrighster followed up his remarkable career for the Ducks by signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he has been a solid presence for the last four years. Tim Day and Dante Rosario have landed on the rosters of the Cincinnati Bengals and Carolina Panthers, respectively.

The heir apparent in this season's group of tight ends is Ed Dickson, a 6-foot-5-inch 240 pound sophomore built in the same athletic mold as his agile predecessors at the position.

Dickson was a SuperPrep All-American and the No. 6 ranked tight end recruit nationally coming out of Bellflower, Calif. in 2005. He played both sides of the ball at Bellflower High, tallying 10 sacks and 42 tackles on defense his senior season to go along with his 28 receptions for over 400 yards and six touchdowns on offense.

Dickson redshirted in 2005, earning offensive player-of-the-week honors five times for his contributions to game preparations as a member of the scout team. He saw action in 13 games as a freshman last season on special teams as well as at defensive end, wide receiver and tight end as the team's needs dictated.

Now he is at tight end to stay, according to the coaching staff, where he can utilize his height and speed to separate from defenders.

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