Freshman Spotlight: Justin Flowe, Oregon
As we get ready for the 2020 season at CFB Saturdays we will be spotlighting some of the key freshman we expect to play a big role for their teams this season. We are looking at highly talented players who have an opportunity to play and make an impact this fall. Stepping into the spotlight today is the talented Oregon linebacker Justin Flowe.
Background
Justin Flowe is the #6 ranked player in the country according to the 247Sports Composite. Flowe hails from Upland, CA where he was a national star on the gridiron and was selected to the All American Bowl. He was one of the top recruits in the country throughout his career and had his pick of schools across the country. On the first signing day in December 2019 Flowe signed with Oregon over offers from USC, Miami and others. He will arrive on campus this fall and expectations will be through the roof for the 5 star prospect.
Scouting Report
Flowe is an aggressive defender who plays with a violence you love to see in a linebacker. He has good instincts and reacts to the play well, but then also has the acceleration and speed to close on the play in a hurry. He gets in the gaps and gets down hill quickly arriving at the ball with attitude. He has a nose for the football and creates turnovers and negative plays with regularity. Flowe has the speed to chase down plays that are designed to go away from him and the relentless motor to continuously pursue the football. He is a strong 6’2″ and 225 lb linebacker who does not appear to carry any bad weight. He has all the physical traits a linebacker needs to be a star.
Justin Flowe is not just a downhill player. Like most high school linebackers he may be most comfortable attacking the line of scrimmage, but he shows the instincts and speed to be an asset defending the pass as well. He has adequate agility and can run sideline to sideline. His fierce playing style translates in coverage as well, he attacks the receiver and the football, creating havoc for the opponents passing game. He does a good job shedding blockers and pursuing the football, he will need to continue to develop these skills against better blockers at the collegiate level. There is nothing to complain about in Flowe’s game as he has all the tools to be a future star.
Outlook
Oregon and Head Coach Mario Cristobal had a big year in 2019 and the defense was a major factor in that success. At linebacker the Ducks were led by seniors Troy Dye and Bryson Young along with sophomore Issac Slade Matautia. Dye and Young will no longer be in the Ducks linebacker room in 2020 and that leaves an opening in Eugene. Cristobal showed in 2019 that talented freshman will be given the opportunity to perform with DE Kayvon Thibodeaux. Flowe is the same kind of talent and should be able to see the field early as well. Oregon has recruited well recently and there will be competition for the two open linebacker spots with the likes of Mase Funa, Adrian Jackson, Sampson Niu, and fellow freshman Noah Sewell also fighting for the starting spots.
With this much competition Justin Flowe will not be handed a starting spot, but he shouldn’t take too long to earn one either. Flowe plays the game with an attitude and fire that cannot be ignored, he won’t take anything for granted and will find his way onto the field. He may not be named the starter right away but he is too complete a linebacker to not be in a rotation and get on the field. He will make plays and earn more playing time, he has the talent to excel at all three linebacker spots and before the season is out will likely win a starting job. Oregon‘s defense should be a strength in 2020, Flowe will only serve to enhance that strength.
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Wide Angle Shot of Autzen Image taken by Ray Terrill is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
