Dan Lanning breaks down play of freshmen running backs

Oregon held its first scrimmage of the spring this past weekend, and head coach Dan Lanning got to get a good look at a lot of his players. That included two freshman, early enrollee running backs in Dante Dowdell and Jayden Limar.

The practice was played where defensive players where allowed to bring players to the ground, which Lanning says is something he enjoys to watch

“Today’s fun for me because we’re not thud tempo, it’s to the ground,” Lanning said after the practice, which was the eighth one of the spring. “So sometimes things that people think are tackles in practice, you really find out today. Dante had some really tough runs and ran really well. Jayden’s been really cerebral as far as picking up what we’re doing offensively and able to do multiple things. He had a couple errors today that he wants to be ahead of, but those are two really good young backs. I’m glad they’re on our roster.”

Young running backs key members of Dan Lanning’s recruiting class

Running backs Dante Dowdell and Jayden Limar are both key members of the 2023 Oregon recruiting class, Dan Lanning’s first full class as head coach of the Ducks.

Both are top-300 prospects and rank among the top three players from their home states. Dowdell is the No. 139 overall recruit, No. 8 running back and No. 3 player from the state of Mississippi in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking. Limar is the No. 293 overall prospect, No. 18 running back and No. 2 player from the state of Washington.

The On3 Industry Ranking is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four major recruiting media services. The On3 Industry Ranking is the most advanced, complete and unbiased rating and ranking measurement in the industry. 

“Big downhill runner who is one of the more powerful running backs in the 2023 cycle,” On3’s scouting report on Dowdell reads. “Measured at over 6-foot-1, 208 pounds prior to his senior season. Tests as a good athlete, running an electronically-timed 4.65 second 40-yard dash in addition to a 34 inch vertical. Very productive while carrying a big workload as a junior. Rushed for 2,406 yards (7.9 yards per carry) and 26 touchdowns. Bursts through the line and gets downhill quickly. Shows high-end power and ability to break tackles. Runs through arm tackles and shrugs off attempts. Has a nice stiff arm. Shows the speed to finish runs at his size. Runs with some violence. Can improve his ball skills as a pass catcher out of the backfield.”