It's less than a week into spring practice, and Oregon has added a new receiver to its roster: former Ducks basketball player Johnathan Loyd.
Loyd, the winningest player in Oregon basketball history and a four-year starter for coach Dana Altman, will use a loophole in NCAA rules that permits players a fifth year of eligibility in a different sport, the university said in a statement.
The 5-foot-8 Loyd attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, where he played both football and basketball. On the football field he was a cornerback and returner, but after spending some time spent watching practice, he seems to be making a pretty smooth transition to receiver.
"That's one thing I can do -- I can catch the ball," Loyd said. "I can run and I can catch. Receiver is not too much different than anything else."
Loyd will be a boost for the Oregon receiving corps, as coach Mark Helfrich looks to replace the team's Nos. 1 and 3 receivers from a season ago.
"It's his first day in four years of playing football, and he's out here with the Oregon Ducks and holding his own," receiver Keanon Lowe said. "You can tell he's a natural football player. And I don't think I saw him drop one pass all day."
Loyd will wear No. 10 this fall. Quarterback Damion Hobbs, who previously wore No. 10, will switch to No. 2.