Shout out Winston Family

[StevensTechU]

Every year I mentally note how many Oregonians are able to crack the starting lineup and this year it looks like we're going to have one on each side of the ball, both being surprises to a degree, plus two special teamers.

On offense, walk-on Charlie Pickard (Portland, OR - Jesuit HS) is looking like the starter at center until the line gets healthier. On special teams, Atticus Sappington (Portland, OR - Central Catholic HS) will be the kicker after transferring from OSU, and Luke Basso (Lake Oswego, OR - Lakeridge HS) is the longsnapper. Finally, on defense, Emar'rion Winston (Portland, OR - Central Catholic HS) will start at OLB despite all incredible amount of defensive talent these coaches have added in recent years.

There have been three Winston brothers who have all played linebacker in the Pac-12/Big Ten, La'Mar and Emar'rion at Oregon, and Eli'jah at USC (and later Nevada). There were questions about the two future ducks coming in. For La'Mar, the message boards were full of people who knew-a-guy-who-knew-a-guy and didn't think he had the work ethic. He ended up being a multi-year starter and defensive vocal leader. For Emar'rion, he was the baby brother who looked overweight at times in high school and didn't have the same explosion. Now he's a lean, mean, run stopping machine. Both brothers have been great ambassadors of the program, smart people off the field, and seemingly good dudes. Shout out to the Winston family, you did well.

[UOducksTK1]

Agreed!! During Covid era, I got roped in to coaching a 7 on 7 team (mostly Clackamas and Tigard guys), and we got to see Emar'rion play. Big kid! Hope he does big things for us.