Oregon Ducks countdown to kickoff: At No. 16, a record-setting Rose Bowl QB [Video]

The Oregon Ducks start the 2024 season Aug. 31 at home against Idaho. The Oregonian/OregonLive will count down the days with mini-profiles of prominent former and current Ducks whose jersey numbers correspond with the days remaining until the opening kickoff.

Today, No. 16: Quarterback Danny O’Neil.

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Danny O’Neil

Bio: Oregon recruited O’Neil out of Mater Dei High School (California). He chose UO over USC and Alabama and became a three-year starter.

Key statistics: O’Neil left Oregon with his name all over the program’s record books. His first big season came as a junior when he passed for 3,224 yards (seventh in UO history), 22 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.

O’Neil became only the fifth player in conference history to throw for more than 3,000 yards in a season.

The following year, O’Neil overcame injuries to pass for 1,756 yards and 20 touchdowns with just seven interceptions and was named first-team All-Pac-10. He helped the Ducks win the …