Team Free and Team Brave flew around Autzen Stadium during the 2017 spring game to the joy of Oregon football fans starving for a taste of what is to come. But while everything felt new, wide receiver Darren Carrington reminded everyone of something from the past — his 2015 self.
His four-catch, 116-yard and three-touchdown performance served as a reminder of how talented he is. The Ducks hope that his spring game showing foreshadows what’s to come.
A big part of what’s changed for Carrington is the new coaching staff which brings a much needed fresh start for him.
“It’s good to have this change and bring a new era of Ducks football,” Carrington said. “Just bring a new swag out there.”
Carrington served a six-game suspension to start the 2015 season and only played in seven games total that year. But even in limited time, Carrington impressed, accumluating 32 catches, 609 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged a team-high 87 yards per game.
Darren Carrington smiles during a pre-practice interview. The Oregon Ducks hold practice during their spring season at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex practice fields in Eugene, Ore. on Friday April 21, 2017. (Aaron Nelson/Emerald)
The 2016 season, though, was a different story. Carrington underwhelmed. At points, the coaching staff benched him for what appeared to be a lack of effort. His stats didn’t vary much from the previous season, but the team and offense were worse than the 2016 group. And for a talented receiver like Carrington, the results were disappointing.
“While the Ducks went three-and-out on their first two drives, Carrington was training for the Tour de France. USC led 10-0 by the time he entered the game,” Register-Guard columnist Austin Meek wrote at the time.
Carrington is carrying baggage, most of which he is able to shed with a new coaching staff. In 2015, he was suspended for the BCS National Championship game after failing a drug test just days before the Ducks’ game against Ohio State. His suspension then carried over in the following season — to the tune of six games.
While serving his six-game suspension, Eugene police cited Carrington for having an open container of alcohol. Then in 2016, Carrington was accused of shoving and breaking a man’s arm.
By all accounts, Carrington is taking advantage of the fresh start that a new coaching staff provides. Effort no longer appears to be a problem.
“If we can have a team full of Darren Carringtons, when it comes to competing, we’d have a hell of a football team,” head coach Willie Taggart said.
Oregon needs Carrington to play well because of its lack of depth and experience at wide receiver. Carrington and Charles Nelson are the most experienced players, but that’s it. The Ducks will rely on young, inexperienced players like sophomore Dillon Mitchell and freshman Darrian McNeal. Malik Lovette, a former defensive back turned receiver, could also contribute.
Beyond effort, Carrington needs to become a leader — a role he says he’s taken with Mitchell.
“He’s like my little brother,” Carrington said. “It’s fun playing with your little siblings. I try and show him everything so he can take over.”
Taggart expects a lot from the senior. The burden of expectation is nothing new for Carrington, and in 2016, it looked like it got to him. In 2017, off one sample, it doesn’t appear to be a problem.
“The spotlight does strange things to people. Some people show up and show out; some people go hide,” Taggart said. “He’s one of those guys that shows up and shows out.”
Follow Jack Butler on Twitter @Butler917
