Oregon Ducks Running Backs Coach Praises New Additions

Ra'Shaad Samples highlights the talent and leadership in the Ducks' backfield for the 2026 season.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:03pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the motion and power of a college football running back in action.A cubist interpretation of an Oregon Ducks running back showcases the dynamic energy and movement of the game.Eugene Today

Oregon Ducks running backs coach Ra'Shaad Samples spoke highly of the new additions to the team's backfield, including transfer Simeon Price and freshmen Tradarian Ball and Brandon Smith. Samples also discussed the growth of returning players Dierre Hill Jr. and Jordon Davison, as well as the challenges of replacing veteran leadership after the departure of Noah Whittington.

Why it matters

The Oregon Ducks' running game is a key part of their offensive success, and the new additions to the backfield will be crucial in maintaining that production. Samples' comments provide insight into the team's plans and expectations for the upcoming season.

The details

Samples praised the veteran presence of transfer Simeon Price, as well as the potential of newcomers Tradarian Ball and Brandon Smith. He noted that returning players Dierre Hill Jr. and Jordon Davison have grown both physically and mentally, and will be key contributors. Replacing the leadership of Noah Whittington will be a challenge, but Samples believes the team can do it through a collective effort.

  • Samples spoke about the new additions after a recent spring practice.

The players

Ra'Shaad Samples

The Oregon Ducks' running backs coach who spoke about the team's backfield additions.

Simeon Price

A veteran transfer who Samples says brings consistency and ability to the running back room.

Tradarian Ball

A versatile freshman who Samples says has a lot of talent and is learning the game.

Brandon Smith

A freshman who Samples says has exceeded expectations and has a chance to be special if he continues to improve.

Dierre Hill Jr.

A returning sophomore who Samples says has grown up and is speaking more as a leader.

Jordon Davison

A returning sophomore who Samples says has also grown up and is now talking more as a leader.

Noah Whittington

A veteran running back who departed the program, leaving a leadership void that Samples says the team is working to fill.

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What they’re saying

“Simeon (Price) is a seasoned vet. Man, I tell him all the time, he's been playing college football longer than I've been coaching him. We got a little joke on that. So, he's a seasoned vet man. He's a grown man. He goes about his business. He plays the game hard. He's in the field room every single day.”

— Ra'Shaad Samples, Oregon Ducks Running Backs Coach

“Just like Dierre, he has to continue to grow and understand the conceptualism of the game. And I think Brandon (Smith) has exceeded expectations for a guy who's been here. I don't know if he's been here a week yet, but he made some plays today where you can just see that kid has a chance to be special if he continues to improve.”

— Ra'Shaad Samples, Oregon Ducks Running Backs Coach

“An honest truth is, whenever you lose a guy like Noah Whittington, you can't replace that. First of all, it's being honest about that guy who's been in this program forever, who's a grown man who understands the on and off the field expectations, understands the film, and Noah was the first one to build in every day.”

— Ra'Shaad Samples, Oregon Ducks Running Backs Coach

“Growth. They did that last year and really didn't know what they were doing. They're going through the maturation process. They have to understand who they are as players, understand their strengths and weaknesses.”

— Ra'Shaad Samples, Oregon Ducks Running Backs Coach

“For Dink, the mental process has been really important, like his growth mentally. And I think he's taken a step growing mentally. Obviously, he had an injury. He had a couple injuries since he's been here. Just talking to that guy, how can you help yourself when you're not on the field, and guys are physically able to get better, you got to be in the backfield room.”

— Ra'Shaad Samples, Oregon Ducks Running Backs Coach

The takeaway

The Oregon Ducks' running back room is undergoing a transition, with the departure of veteran leader Noah Whittington and the arrival of new talent. Coach Samples is focused on developing the leadership and understanding of the game among the returning players, while also integrating the new additions to create a well-rounded and competitive backfield for the 2026 season.