Kenyon Sadiq Excited by 'Explosive Potential' of Oregon Offense Ahead of Facing Montana State

Oregon has had great tight ends come through the program and with Terrance Ferguson now in the NFL, he’s passing the torch to junior Kenyon Sadiq.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound tight end met with reporters in Eugene following Tuesday’s practice to preview this weekend’s season-opener against Montana State.

Below is a transcription of his media availability.

On combating an opponent that plays with nothing to lose

Sadiq: “I feel like playing at school like Oregon you kind of get used to that. Like everyone kind of has us circled on their schedule, as one of those type of games. But no, really just go in there and do our thing. Prepare like it’s any other team back.”

On how he feels team has adjusted through fall camp and how ready the team is for this weekend

Sadiq: “Like you said there has been a lot of new pieces. I feel like from the start of fall camp to now we’re a completely different offense. Meaning we’ve all changed a lot in a lot of different ways. But no, it’s been good being like a lot of young guys and just a lot of transfers, plugging in and doing a great job. Feel really confident going into the next game. Our chemistry, I think has gotten really good with whoever’s on the field. So I think it’s gonna be good.”

On importance of playing to the Oregon standard

Sadiq: “You kind of hit around the head. It’s just like, go out there and play to our level. I mean, no matter who’s out there, we just need to go and do what we do. Doesn’t matter if it’s Montana State or Ohio State, we need to go out there, like I said, and just prepare like whoever it is.”

On importance of a fast start for Saturday compared to last year vs. Idaho

Sadiq: “I think it just goes with starting with some momentum. The offense needs to do a great job of just executing, whether it’s a five-yard run or a 10-yard pass, whatever it is. Just keeping one play at a time and drive down the field and that’ll create momentum going down.”

On what excites him about this offense

Sadiq: “There’s talent and explosive talent just about anywhere. Whether it’s young guys, older guys. GB, J-lo Kyler, Cooper Perry, Dakorien Moore have all done a great job of coming in and putting their head down. So like I said, I think the biggest is just the potential this offense has, whether it’s at running back or even our tackles do a great job in space. So all those things, I guess just explosive potential.”

On what’s motivating this Oregon team

Sadiq: “You kind of hit it again. It’s really all those things. I mean there’s a lot of new faces. So it’s going to be who goes out there and proves what they can do. And those will determine the spots that go up. And just going in, I think every year, the offense has something to prove. The whole team has something to prove. So I think it’s about going out there and establishing our identity going into this year.”

On what have been some standout moments for him personally over the last month

Sadiq: “Just pushing myself to grow in a lot of areas. Whether it’s route running, leadership, those areas you need to grow from. But I think I’ve done a great job. I think it’ll display on the field.”

On becoming more of a leader for the offense

Sadiq: “It”s definitely been a new role for me, but I think it’s been good helping the young guys out. Whether it’s the playbook or off the field, nutrition, those type of things. Like I said it’s been a growth area for me, but I think it’s been good.”

On what will be different/unique about this year’s tight end room

Sadiq: “I would just say versatility. Kind of similar as last year, but just the versatility going in we have as a unit, whether it’s deep threat, run game especially, or just even short, quick game. I think we can do it all.”

On what he could tell himself last year if he could

Sadiq: “Really just keep my head down and keep working. I think I did a great job of just staying in the moment, not looking too far ahead or I’m not thinking what I could have done in the moment. So no, just keep working and then eventually it’ll just work itself out.”