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Dan Lanning releases heartfelt reaction to tragic death of Oregon TE Spencer Webb

James Fletcher IIIby: James Fletcher III07/14/22jdfletch3
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Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Oregon tight end Spencer Webb died on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. Oregon Live’s Aaron Fentress first said the redshirt junior passed away in a “tragic accident.” That report was later confirmed by the Sacramento Bee, stating that Webb died during a cliff diving accident.

After receiving the news of Spencer Webb’s death, Oregon players, recruits and coaches posted their reaction online, including first-year head coach Dan Lanning. Although he only knew the young man for a few months since arriving from Georgia, it is clear an early impression was made.

“So full of life in every moment of the day,” Lanning posted late Wednesday night. “Your smile and energy will be missed Spencer. I love you!”

Webb was getting ready to start his redshirt junior season with the Ducks after starting three games last year. He had 13 receptions for 87 yards in 2021, adding a lone touchdown which came against Arizona. He first joined the Ducks in 2018 but redshirted that season and then only played one game due to injury during the COVID-19-impacted 2020 campaign. Last season was his first full year since 2019 when he played in 12 games, totaling 18 receptions for 209 yards and three touchdowns.

More about Spencer Webb

Spencer Webb, a Sacramento, California native, was gearing up to compete for a big role on a new-look Oregon team this summer with a fresh starter under the new staff. Former Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning took over for Mario Cristobal as head coach, and Kenny Dillingham came in as offensive coordinator from Florida State with new ideas and a fresh opportunity to impress.

In June, following a full spring practice schedule under Dan Lanning and Kenny Dillingham, Spencer Webb compared Oregon’s new offensive system to the one he saw growing up — back when Marcus Mariota was under center for the Ducks.

“I grew up an Oregon fan, and seeing this offense now reminds me of when I was a kid,” Webb said, via ScoopDuck’s Jarrid Denney. “Watching Marcus Mariota and those guys run down the field and make plays. … That’s what’s got me most excited.”

Webb arrived in Eugene, Oregon as a four-star recruit, ranking as the No. 232 overall prospect and the No. 11 tight end in the country from the class of 2018, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.