Oregon Ducks' Kris Hutson making good on offseason promise, thriving as team's top punt returner

After a standout spring, Oregon Ducks wideout Kris Hutson has stepped into a new role as the team's primary punt returner and has become a key contributor to the team's special teams unit.

A quick, shifty runner with great vision, Hutson’s efforts have helped the Ducks rank near the top of the FBS in punt return average. He ranks among the best punt returners in the country, averaging nearly 15 yards per return.

The Ducks are 6-1 this season and ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25 poll. They'll face their toughest test of the season to date on Saturday when they travel to Ann Arbor to take on the No. 4 Michigan Wolverines.

Hutson has been a key part of the Ducks' success this season, not just as a punt returner but also as a wide receiver. He has caught 20 passes for 305 yards and three touchdowns.

But it's his work as a punt returner that has really made him a valuable asset to the team. He has returned 14 punts for 209 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown return against Stanford earlier this season.

Hutson's success as a punt returner is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He spent countless hours in the offseason working on his skills, and it's paid off.

“I’ve just been trying to focus on my craft,” Hutson said. “I’ve been in the film room a lot, studying other punt returners and trying to learn from them.”

Hutson's efforts have paid off, and he is now one of the best punt returners in the country. He is a key part of the Ducks' special teams unit, and he is helping the team win games.

Here are some of Hutson's key stats as a punt returner this season:

• 14 punts returned for 209 yards
• 74-yard touchdown return against Stanford
• Ranks among the best punt returners in the country, averaging nearly 15 yards per return

Hutson is a valuable asset to the Ducks, and he is a big reason why they are one of the top teams in the country.