EUGENE — On an Oregon roster filled with unproven talent, Jerry Mixon is unique among the players who are in line to have far bigger roles than years past.

The linebacker is one of eight true juniors on the roster, along with the likes of Kenyon Sadiq, Iapani Laloulu, Jayden Limar, Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, A’mauri Washington and Dillon Thieneman. Several of them are returning starters or at least more proven than Mixon, who appeared mostly on special teams during his first two seasons.

Yet Mixon has not redshirted, showing a level of trust in a young player who was behind veterans Jeff Bassa and Jestin Jacobs and returning starters Bryce Boettcher and Devon Jackson. There is no longer a logjam in front of Mixon, who had three tackles in 11 games last season and five tackles wi

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