With 20 seconds left in the first half against rival University of Washington, Oregon had backed the Huskies onto their own 9-yard line and had an opportunity to tie the game at 17 apiece.

The pocket collapsed after the snap, and Herbert threw the ball on the run to Jaylon Redd in the left corner of the end zone, where Redd extended his body to catch the ball on his fingertips, simultaneously tapping one foot on the ground. There was no room for error — his foot was just inches inside the sideline. It was the highlight play in a highlight win for Oregon’s season.

Coming into the season with new players arriving and finding roles, the sophomore wide receiver felt his position on the team wasn’t secure. At 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds, Redd is undersized, but he has the skills to be a solid receiver.

Head coach Mario Cristobal explained that Redd’s productivity stems from the work he put in during the offseason. A vocal presence in the locker room, Redd wants to be the guy to make big plays.

“He reminds me of the guys I used to be in the locker room with,” Cristobal said. “Hard-nosed, tough guy. [He] wants the ball, wants to make plays, is unselfish. He will throw his body around with reckless abandon to make great blocks for his teammates.”

In high school, Redd played everything from cornerback to running back, which gives him an advantage on the field because he knows the nuances of both positions. But the college game can be a difficult transition from high school. Prior to the season, Redd dedicated time to working with Herbert, as well as getting physically stronger.

“All season, I try to work on my relationship with Herb as much as I can” Redd said. “I knew I could be a playmaker, I just had to elevate my game.”

As a freshman, Redd played in 10 games. He played intermittently between running back and wide receiver, but he was barely used. He had five receptions for 59 yards and one touchdown. Now, Redd has turned a corner. He has 28 receptions for 344 yards and six touchdowns.

One of his greatest strengths is his ability to get open when Oregon has backed the defense onto or near the end zone. Twice, Herbert has found Redd for two-point conversions.

Redd is much more comfortable in the offense because of his relationship with wide receivers coach Michael Johnson. Both are from Rancho Cucamonga, California, and they’ve been developing trust since day one.

“Me and my position coach come from the same place, so when me and him talk, it’s more like a father-son relationship,” Redd explained.

When asked about what the next step is for him, Redd just smiled and said, “To be honest, I can’t really say. I’ll just have to show you. You’ll see on the field.”

Follow August Howell on Twitter @howell_august