EUGENE, OR — The rise of tight end Kenyon Sadiq is one of the revealing storylines for the Oregon Ducks as they gear up for their appearance in the upcoming quarterfinal game at the Rose Bowl. Recently, Ducks head coach Dan Lanning spoke about Sadiq’s great influence on the team and his status as one of the most vital assets in a Ducks unit.
When asked about the young athlete, Coach Lanning said that he spoke about the interaction just before the Big Ten Championship game against Penn State.
“Just before the game, I went up to Kenyon [Sadiq], right before we were about to get in the stretch lines, and I said, ‘You know, I feel like this is about to be a coming out party for you.’ And he goes, ‘no doubt,’” Lanning told Nitecast Media. This exchange came to prophetic fruition as Sadiq turned in a performance that was once again a reminder of his talent and development as a player.
Sadiq has established himself as a key component in the Ducks’ offensive lineup, adding significant athleticism and competitiveness to the tight end room. “After that game, I think everybody got to see the same things we get to see every day in practice from him,” Lanning said. “I think the growth of him as a player and how he’s continued to get better, but also the special talent that he has.”
Sadiq flourished under his position coach, Drew Marringer, and has received weekly kudos for his hard work.
“He’s got a great position coach to him in Drew Marringer that prepares him every single week,” Lanning said, downplaying the importance of Marringer in aiding Sadiq’s growth. “But I’m extremely proud of what Kenyon’s been able to do for our team and how much he means to our team.“
This was most recently on display with Sadiq when it mattered most in the Big Ten championship, with key plays that helped propel the team to victory. Unfortunately, we couldn’t carry that momentum through the season. His performance showcased not just his athletic prowess, but also his heart and dedication to the Ducks’ cause.
Kenyon Sadiq may be a prominent part of Oregon’s team now, following all the excitement of the Ducks’ upcoming trip to the Rose Bowl, but he’s also more evidence of the team’s depth and skill. His story is a story of grit, faith, perseverance, and a never-ending belief in himself — one that the Oregon Ducks program so powerfully identifies with.
