The Oregon Ducks are losing the anchor of one the nation’s best offensive lines as junior center Jackson Powers-Johnson declared for the 2024 NFL Draft Monday via social media.
Thank you Oregon 💚 #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/jOZOGulRBu
— Jackson Powers-Johnson (@BigJax58) December 11, 2023
Powers-Johnson won the Rimington Award this season, which is given to the nation’s best center. The Utah native is the one and only Rimington Award winner to come from the Pac-12. The decorated offensive lineman was also named an Associated Press first-team All-American.
The former four-star recruit was the highest-graded center in the country, according to Pro Football Focus. Powers-Johnson won Pac-12 Offensive Lineman of the Week twice, and he was also the only center considered for the Outland Trophy (best lineman). When Powers-Johnson brought home the Rimington Trophy, his head coach Dan Lanning expressed the pride he had for his All-American center.
“We are very proud of Jackson for earning this outstanding honor as the best center in college football. This is something he has put a tremendous amount of effort towards, and combined with his special talents the results speak for themselves,” said Lanning. “Jackson has done a terrific job for us this season, both on the field and as a leader within our program. He has grown so much as both a player and a person and is incredibly deserving of this award.”
Other awards to Powers-Johnson’s name include College Football Network’s Offensive Center of the Year, Offensive Lineman of the Year, and first-team Offensive Center of the Year. He is also a three-time winner of the Joe Moore Award Pancake of the Week.
The Oregon Ducks had one of the Best Lines in the Country, and it was led by Jackson Powers-Johnson
The Ducks offensive line as a whole posted a team pass-blocking grade of 91.3, which was good for best in the FBS, according to Pro Football Focus. Oregon’s offensive line had a nation-best five sacks allowed throughout the entire season, and this is the second season in a row the Ducks have led that statistical category.
While anchoring what is considered to be the best offensive line in the nation, Powers-Johnson allowed just a single pressure in 471 pass-blocking attempts. The Ducks line is a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, which is given to the best offensive line in college football. Along with Powers-Johnson, two other Oregon offensive lineman have won the Joe Moore Award Pancake of the Week.
There was only one game in which the Ducks’ offensive line allowed multiple sacks, and they allowed no sacks in nine games this season. The consistency of the Oregon offensive line propelled the Ducks to scoring 44.2 points per game and gaining 526.6 yards per game, both of which are second in the nation.
Oregon Ducks’ Center Jackson Powers-Johnson can Join Illustrious Group of Oregon Offensive Linemen in the NFL
Powers-Johnson is the No. 3 center on ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s Big Board, but he is the top center on Pro Football Focus’ Big Board. His potential as an NFL prospect is undeniable, and he will have the chance to follow the footsteps of NFL-caliber offensive linemen from Oregon.
Big fan of #Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson. Going to be fantastic with his athleticism in a wide zone scheme but truly a scheme versatile player. Finishes through the whistle, blocks in space, climbs to second level.
Fun player in the ‘24 class.
pic.twitter.com/Wpy5HoaFda https://t.co/jTFV7wtzAM
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) December 11, 2023
Just something different about Oregon offensive linemen wearing 58 & getting out on screens I guess. My goodness, Jackson Powers-Johnson. 😳 pic.twitter.com/5qB5qZA6UF
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) December 12, 2023
Jackson Powers-Johnson is my favorite center in this class. True Junior, mauler in the run game, just 1 pressure allowed this year. Rock solid across the board pic.twitter.com/NO2xBrCXxu
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) December 7, 2023
Powers-Johnson’s athleticism make him versatile in scheme and position, both of which are valuable assets to any future NFL offensive lineman. In his first two seasons with Oregon, Powers-Johnson played everywhere on the line. He has a chance to join Oregon offensive linemen in the NFL like Alex Forsyth of the Denver Broncos, Hroniss Grasu of the Las Vegas Raiders and Shane Lemieux of the New York Giants.
Most notably, he will join fellow number 58 Penei Sewell. Sewell was an Outland trophy winner and was drafted seventh overall by the Detroit Lions. Powers-Johnson has the ability to become an immediate contributor on an NFL team just like Sewell.
Get More College Football Content
For more news and trends in the college football world, click here or follow me on Twitter @KusleikaAndrew.
Our Partners
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.