It hasn't been that long. Twenty years ago the Washington Huskies were National Champions. Ten years ago they went 11-1 and won the Rose Bowl. They lost the Sun Bowl in 2002, fired Neuheisel over his various shenanigans and implausible denials, and endured six years of misery under Gilbertson and Willingham, to the untuneful howl of 18-53, looking more like whipped mongrels than proud malamutes until Steve Sarkisian arrived and began to instill some win-forever arrogance to a pack that had lost its way.
Last Season:
In year one of the Sarkisian regime, they finished 5-7, including wins over Cal and Washington State in their last two games. Year two, they made it back to a bowl, awaking at least the echo of the echoes by winning the Holiday Bowl, 19-7 over Nebraska, securing their first winning season since Cody Pickett left town, the bowl victory all the sweeter because it not only sent favorite son Jake Locker out on a winning note, it also avenged a week three 56-21 pounding at home versus those same Cornhuskers. Locker famously went 4 for 20 in that first game, giving lie to his first round draft status and Heisman candidacy. In the second he improved to 5-16 for 53 yards, chipping in another 83 on the ground, including a 25-yard touchdown run.
The Huskies used to own the Northwest. They used to spit on 7-6. They used to pounce and snarl their way to a major bowl game year after year. Now, 7-6 feels like progress. 7-6 feels like hope.
Way--too-early 2011 forecast:
Oddly, it all hinges on the Oregon game. The Ducks have to travel to Husky Stadium on November 5th. It's likely to be wet and miserable, and by then the rookie starting qb will have eight games experience. Washington has lost to their Northwest rivals for seven straight years, and sooner or later that domination will crack. Polk and Callier are likely to run another 52 times as Sarkisian takes the air out of the ball.
If they can pull off the upset at Montlake, it spurs them to 8-5 and another notch toward respectability. If Oregon manhandles them again, they'll slump to 5-7, finish out of a bowl, and the honeymoon will give way to a rocky period in the Sarkisian-Tyee Club marriage.
Sark is a thorough, knowledgeable and passionate football coach. He's building the right way at UW, and continuity is the surest route back to respectability. The Dawgs will never again dominate the way they did in the Don James years, but they'll regularly contend for bowls once he has the requisite four years to fill the roster with his own players. Best bet here is a year of rockiness. They'll be in most every game, but traveling to Lincoln with a first-year starter so early in the season is a bad recipe.
The consecutive wins over USC prove emphatically he's got his players to believe and buy in, so anything is possible. No one should overlook them going forward.
Biggest off season headlines:
Coaching continuity at Oregon, Washington
Locker, Foster Prepare for NFL Combine
Danny Shelton Commits To Washington Huskies
Kasen Williams Named Parade Magazine Player Of The Year
Important Dates:
Spring Practice begins March 29th. Spring game April 30th. Season opener versus Eastern Washington on September 3rd.
All PAC-12 practice and spring game dates
Key Losses:
The Huskies lose 17 seniors, including their team leaders on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Locker and linebacker Mason Foster are moving on to this week's NFL combine and the Washington pro day. Foster will be hardest to replace; the senior linebacker made a whopping 163 tackles last season, finishing his Washington career with 378 over four years, three as a starter. Named the Husky Defensive Player of the Year, as well as a Rivals and Scout All-America.
Locker isn't as big a loss, which is odd to say about a four-year starter. For all his physical tools, a strong arm, 4.5 speed, and 6-3 230, he was never a finished product or an accomplished quarterback; his highest passer rating was 129.75 as a junior. He never completed more than 58% of his passes, threw 35 career interceptions, and was sacked 47 times over his last two seasons. For much of his Husky career he was battered, under-achieving and disappointing, 0-3 lifetime versus the Ducks. In truth, with some patient tutoring Sarkisian and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier could reasonably expect similar production from redshirt sophomore Keith Price or redshirt freshman Nick Montana.
Other key losses include senior linemen Ryan Tolar, a three-year starter, and Cody Habben, as well as safety Nate Williams, who finished third in the conference in tackles with 8.33 per game, a team captain, 2nd team all-conference.
Why the losses might not matter:
Washington got a huge boost this off-season when Polk elected to stay in school. He rushed for 1415 yards and 9 tds last season, a 5.4-yd. average, and his ground-pounding, move-the-chains presence takes a huge load off the shoulders of whichever young quarterback wins the job. Jesse Callier provided a good counterpunch as a true freshman, adding 433 yards at 5.6 yds. per carry. In the Holiday Bowl, the Dawgs ran 52 times for 268 yards, previewing a Ground Chuck-style attack that would serve an inexperienced quarterback and a rebuilding defense very well.
The Huskies played 14 true freshman last season, and they return three of their top four targets at wide receiver, including Jermaine Kearse, who torched PAC-10 secondaries for 1005 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior. Devin Aguilar will add to the new signal caller's comfort level, and Polk catches the ball reasonably well out of the backfield, chipping in 22 receptions for 180 yards last year, 25 the season before.
Impact Newcomers:
Redshirt freshman guard Colin Tanigawa, 6-3, 310. DT Danny Shelton, an Auburn Washington product the Huskies won out over the Ducks. Parade Magazine Player of the Year, WR Kasen Williams, a 6-2 200-lb. burner who caught 56 touchdowns in high school. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, a 6-7, 250-lb. tight end.
Critical Spring Practice Questions:
Who impresses in the quarterback competition? Sarkisian has indicated he favors naming a clear starter over a platoon, and he and Nussmeier will be looking for the one of the candidates to assert himself. Last year Montana led a very Joe-like comeback in the spring game. Price acquitted himself well last season, thrust into a starting role in the Oregon game when Locker was ruled out with broken ribs. He tossed a touchdown pass and showed good poise and mobility, facing a hostile crowd in his first college start.
With only two starters returning, who fits in the mix-and-match of the offensive line?
Who replaces all those tackles made for the last three seasons by Foster and Williams?
An early look at the 2011 Schedule:
After opening with home games against FCS Champion Eastern Washington and Hawaii, the Huskies travel to Nebraska on September 17th, host Cal, then travel to Utah on October 1st. The next week is a much-needed bye, then a home game versus Colorado.
The next four are critical and challenging: at Stanford, home versus Arizona, home versus Oregon, at USC. In 2010 the Huskies beat the Trojans for the second straight year, 32-31 in the Coliseum on October 2nd.
In all, seven home games, five on the road, including Nebraska, Utah, Stanford, USC and Oregon State. They catch the Ducks, Arizona and Cal at home.
next: USC.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A Clear and Present Danger: Stanford Takes Aim at a Title Run of Their Own
(Part two of a thirteen-part series, previewing the PAC-12 conference teams in preparation for spring practice.)
The Stanford Cardinal
Last season:
12-1, 8-1 in PAC-10, second in conference. The one loss was a Saturday night national TV game, 52-31 to the Ducks in Autzen Stadium. They led 21-3 before Oregon put on a furious rally, energized by an onside kick recovered by Rob Beard. Darron Thomas threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns on 20 of 29 passing, while LaMichael James ran for 257 yards, including a game-sealing, Heisman-moment 76-yard run with 1:10 to play, offsetting a 341-yard performance by Andrew Luck, who was picked twice by Cliff Harris.
The Cardinal finished number four in the country, defeating Virginia Tech 40-12 in the Orange Bowl. For the season, Luck threw for 3338 yards and 32 touchdowns with just 8 interceptions, completing 70.7% of his passes. He also ran for 453 yards, 8.2 yards a carry. Backfield mate Stepfan Taylor rushed for 1137 yards with a 5.1 average and 15 touchdowns.
In just four short years, Jim Harbaugh transformed Stanford from a soft conference doormat, 1-11 in Walt Harris' last year, to a national power. Led by their junior quarterback Luck, a certain future first-round NFL draft pick and the Heisman Trophy favorite, the Cardinal seem poised to challenge Oregon as the premier team in the West in 2011.
Way--too-early 2011 forecast:
The Cardinal are replacing 29 seniors, Jim Harbaugh, and both their coordinators. Harbaugh instilled blue-collar toughness and a physical attitude in the team that will be missing without him. They will fall back a little and lose some of that edge. 10-3, second in the PAC-12 North, earning a trip to the Alamo Bowl.
Biggest off season headlines:
Harbaugh Leaves the Farm to coach the 49ers
Andrew Luck Passes Up the NFL Draft; elects to stay at Stanford
David Shaw Named New Stanford Head Coach
Stanford Announces New Coordinators and Coaching Changes
Important Dates:
Spring practice began Monday February 21 with a 2.5 hour workout. John Wilner has a report, and first-year head coach Shaw shares his impressions. The Cardinal are spreading out spring drills over two mini-camps, concluding with the Red and White intrasquad game at Kezar Stadium on April 9th. Only three of the practices are open to the public. They open the 2011 season with a September 3rd game at home versus San Jose State.
Key Losses:
The graduating class included 2-way starter and inspirational leader Owen Marecic, all-league center Chase Beeler, tight end Coby Fleener, three starting offensive linemen, Luck's three leading receivers, and most importantly, Harbaugh. Linebacker Thomas Keiser left early for the NFL, a surprise move.
Why the losses might not matter:
The PAC-10 (now 12) was always a quarterback league, and Luck is the best in the country. The scary thing for opponents is, he keeps getting better. In 2009 as a redshirt freshman and first-year starter, he completed 56.3% of his passes, with 13 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. In 2010, with Toby Gerhart having moved on to the NFL, Luck jumped to a 70.7% completion rate, 32 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 372 attempts, despite not having an elite receiver corps. He's 6-4, 235, with a rocket arm and tremendous instincts. He'll pass the PAC-12 silly.
Impact Newcomers:
The Cardinal have open competitions at center and wide receiver. 6-5, 250-lb. linebacker/defensive end Blake Lueders was one of their big recruiting finds a year ago. After being named Mr. Indiana football his senior year of high school he appeared in 10 games as a true freshman, and has been singled out by Shaw as a player who is ready for a much bigger role, used in variety of spots with his combination of speed, size and mobility. Linebacker James Vaughters, from the 2011 class, was rated the 4th-best inside linebacker in the nation by Rivals, and will bid to play right away, perhaps replacing the departed Marecic. Safety Wayne Lyons, a prep All-American from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida could replace Alex Loukas. A fast, physical, ball-hawking defensive back at 6-1 190, Lyons will see the field as fast as he masters the defensive playbook. Defensive end Charlie Hopkins and WR Ty Montgomery could also make a bid to contribute right away. Coach Shaw describes the wide receiver competition as "wide open."
Critical Spring Practice Questions:
Without Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, will the Cardinal maintain the chip on the shoulder? How do they fare without Harbaugh's legendary intensity? (What a sales job it was by the new 49'ers coach to instill an attitude of physical toughness and blue collar meanness at Stanford, a bastion of privilege and exclusivity.)
How quickly can the offensive line gel with three new starters? This is Luck's team, but as great as he is, he needs time to throw and someone to catch the football.
Who emerges at wide receiver? Shaw has a good rotation at running back with 1100-yard rusher Taylor, Tyler Gaffney and Jeremy Stewart, who was just granted a fifth year by the NCAA. But the cupboard is seemingly bare at wideout, where Chris Owusu is the top returnee with 25 catches.
Who fills the leadership gap? Stanford lost Marecic, defensive lineman Sione Fua, center Beeler and guard Andy Phillips, all pacesetters on the team. Luck and hard-hitting linebacker Shane Skov, plus linebacker/Academy Award injury-faker Chase Thomas will be counted on to replace them in the locker room.
An early look at the 2011 Schedule:
What jumps out first is that the Cardinal close with home games versus Cal, Oregon and Notre Dame. They have the distinct advantage of being very comfortable in the stretch drive, closing with their three toughest games all at home. They have seven home games in all, opening with the laugher versus San Jose State, traveling to Duke on September 10th, and in a key early test, facing Arizona in Tucson on September 17th. If they start 3-0, which is likely, look out, because they'll build momentum in games 4-6, facing lowly UCLA, Colorado and Washington State before hosting Washington on October 22nd. A 7-0 start is a very real possibility. They meet Matt Barkley and USC in the Coliseum October 29, then travel to Corvallis to face the Beibers on November 5th.
The schedule breaks very well for Stanford, but the upheaval in their coaching staff, plus the lack of dependable targets for Luck and the loss of Harbaugh will lead to a couple of stumbles. They're not getting past the Ducks, although the ground crew will likely assist them with some three-inch high turf and a generous watering regimen. A rainy late-season game in the Bay Area has often been a bugaboo for Oregon, and Saturday November 12th will likely be a rendevous with Erin Andrews, Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso. It's a game that could get big attention all around the country, part three of the rivalry between Luck and Thomas, which goes all the way back to their prep days in Houston, Texas.
next: Washington
The Stanford Cardinal
Last season:
12-1, 8-1 in PAC-10, second in conference. The one loss was a Saturday night national TV game, 52-31 to the Ducks in Autzen Stadium. They led 21-3 before Oregon put on a furious rally, energized by an onside kick recovered by Rob Beard. Darron Thomas threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns on 20 of 29 passing, while LaMichael James ran for 257 yards, including a game-sealing, Heisman-moment 76-yard run with 1:10 to play, offsetting a 341-yard performance by Andrew Luck, who was picked twice by Cliff Harris.
The Cardinal finished number four in the country, defeating Virginia Tech 40-12 in the Orange Bowl. For the season, Luck threw for 3338 yards and 32 touchdowns with just 8 interceptions, completing 70.7% of his passes. He also ran for 453 yards, 8.2 yards a carry. Backfield mate Stepfan Taylor rushed for 1137 yards with a 5.1 average and 15 touchdowns.
In just four short years, Jim Harbaugh transformed Stanford from a soft conference doormat, 1-11 in Walt Harris' last year, to a national power. Led by their junior quarterback Luck, a certain future first-round NFL draft pick and the Heisman Trophy favorite, the Cardinal seem poised to challenge Oregon as the premier team in the West in 2011.
Way--too-early 2011 forecast:
The Cardinal are replacing 29 seniors, Jim Harbaugh, and both their coordinators. Harbaugh instilled blue-collar toughness and a physical attitude in the team that will be missing without him. They will fall back a little and lose some of that edge. 10-3, second in the PAC-12 North, earning a trip to the Alamo Bowl.
Biggest off season headlines:
Harbaugh Leaves the Farm to coach the 49ers
Andrew Luck Passes Up the NFL Draft; elects to stay at Stanford
David Shaw Named New Stanford Head Coach
Stanford Announces New Coordinators and Coaching Changes
Important Dates:
Spring practice began Monday February 21 with a 2.5 hour workout. John Wilner has a report, and first-year head coach Shaw shares his impressions. The Cardinal are spreading out spring drills over two mini-camps, concluding with the Red and White intrasquad game at Kezar Stadium on April 9th. Only three of the practices are open to the public. They open the 2011 season with a September 3rd game at home versus San Jose State.
Key Losses:
The graduating class included 2-way starter and inspirational leader Owen Marecic, all-league center Chase Beeler, tight end Coby Fleener, three starting offensive linemen, Luck's three leading receivers, and most importantly, Harbaugh. Linebacker Thomas Keiser left early for the NFL, a surprise move.
Why the losses might not matter:
The PAC-10 (now 12) was always a quarterback league, and Luck is the best in the country. The scary thing for opponents is, he keeps getting better. In 2009 as a redshirt freshman and first-year starter, he completed 56.3% of his passes, with 13 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. In 2010, with Toby Gerhart having moved on to the NFL, Luck jumped to a 70.7% completion rate, 32 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 372 attempts, despite not having an elite receiver corps. He's 6-4, 235, with a rocket arm and tremendous instincts. He'll pass the PAC-12 silly.
Impact Newcomers:
The Cardinal have open competitions at center and wide receiver. 6-5, 250-lb. linebacker/defensive end Blake Lueders was one of their big recruiting finds a year ago. After being named Mr. Indiana football his senior year of high school he appeared in 10 games as a true freshman, and has been singled out by Shaw as a player who is ready for a much bigger role, used in variety of spots with his combination of speed, size and mobility. Linebacker James Vaughters, from the 2011 class, was rated the 4th-best inside linebacker in the nation by Rivals, and will bid to play right away, perhaps replacing the departed Marecic. Safety Wayne Lyons, a prep All-American from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida could replace Alex Loukas. A fast, physical, ball-hawking defensive back at 6-1 190, Lyons will see the field as fast as he masters the defensive playbook. Defensive end Charlie Hopkins and WR Ty Montgomery could also make a bid to contribute right away. Coach Shaw describes the wide receiver competition as "wide open."
Critical Spring Practice Questions:
Without Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, will the Cardinal maintain the chip on the shoulder? How do they fare without Harbaugh's legendary intensity? (What a sales job it was by the new 49'ers coach to instill an attitude of physical toughness and blue collar meanness at Stanford, a bastion of privilege and exclusivity.)
How quickly can the offensive line gel with three new starters? This is Luck's team, but as great as he is, he needs time to throw and someone to catch the football.
Who emerges at wide receiver? Shaw has a good rotation at running back with 1100-yard rusher Taylor, Tyler Gaffney and Jeremy Stewart, who was just granted a fifth year by the NCAA. But the cupboard is seemingly bare at wideout, where Chris Owusu is the top returnee with 25 catches.
Who fills the leadership gap? Stanford lost Marecic, defensive lineman Sione Fua, center Beeler and guard Andy Phillips, all pacesetters on the team. Luck and hard-hitting linebacker Shane Skov, plus linebacker/Academy Award injury-faker Chase Thomas will be counted on to replace them in the locker room.
An early look at the 2011 Schedule:
What jumps out first is that the Cardinal close with home games versus Cal, Oregon and Notre Dame. They have the distinct advantage of being very comfortable in the stretch drive, closing with their three toughest games all at home. They have seven home games in all, opening with the laugher versus San Jose State, traveling to Duke on September 10th, and in a key early test, facing Arizona in Tucson on September 17th. If they start 3-0, which is likely, look out, because they'll build momentum in games 4-6, facing lowly UCLA, Colorado and Washington State before hosting Washington on October 22nd. A 7-0 start is a very real possibility. They meet Matt Barkley and USC in the Coliseum October 29, then travel to Corvallis to face the Beibers on November 5th.
The schedule breaks very well for Stanford, but the upheaval in their coaching staff, plus the lack of dependable targets for Luck and the loss of Harbaugh will lead to a couple of stumbles. They're not getting past the Ducks, although the ground crew will likely assist them with some three-inch high turf and a generous watering regimen. A rainy late-season game in the Bay Area has often been a bugaboo for Oregon, and Saturday November 12th will likely be a rendevous with Erin Andrews, Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso. It's a game that could get big attention all around the country, part three of the rivalry between Luck and Thomas, which goes all the way back to their prep days in Houston, Texas.
next: Washington
Thursday, February 24, 2011
While You Were Sleeping: A Mid-Winter Review of Oregon and PAC-12 Football
(a thirteen-part series, with part 13 devoted to Oregon's nonconference opponents)
With Spring Practice just over a month away, it's time to summarize developments around the conference and compare notes on the competition. For some of you this is review. For others, it's a crash course on the essentials. Call it a mid-winter mental workout, the fan equivalent of seven-on-seven and Olympic lifts at 7 a.m.
Oregon Ducks
Last season:
12-1, undefeated regular season, 2nd straight conference championship. Lost National Championship on a last-second Auburn field goal 22-19. Finished 3rd in the country. LaMichael James honored as a consensus All-American at running back and winner of the Doak Walker Award. Cliff Harris a consensus All-American at returner. Led the nation in scoring at 47.0 points per game, while the defense held opponents to 18.7 per game while forcing 37 turnovers.
Way--too-early 2011 forecast:
13-0, National Champions. Duh. Seriously, with LaMichael James and Darron Thomas returning, a speed upgrade at wide receiver, a defense that should be even more athletic and attacking than last season, the Ducks should be favored in every game on their schedule, and that includes the September 3rd showdown in Cowboy Stadium with LSU.
Biggest off season headlines:
LaMichael James passes up NFL draft, elects to return for his junior season
Ricky Heimuli decides to forgo religious mission; will make a bid to start at defensive tackle in 2011
Darron Thomas takes the lead in winter workouts
Ducks sign 9th rated recruiting class in the country, including 5-star athletes Colt Lylerla and De'Anthony Thomas
Redshirt freshman running back Dontae Williams elects to transfer
Important Dates:
Spring practice begins March 28th. The Spring Game is Saturday April 30th, 1 p.m. The Ducks open the 2011 season with a prime time ESPN game versus SEC power #5 LSU at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas on September 3rd.
Key Losses:
DT Brandon Bair and Zac Clark. LB Spencer Paysinger and Casey Matthews. All-league defensive back Talmadge Jackson III. Offensive linemen Jordan Holmes, Bo Thran, C. E. Kaiser, plus reserve Max Forer. Wide receivers Jeff Maehl and DJ Davis. (All to graduation). Reserve defensive back Javes Lewis declared for the NFL draft, while Houston native Dontae Williams has declared his intention to transfer and has been granted his release from the program.
link to official Oregon roster: goducks.com
Why the losses won't matter:
Oregon rotated 26 players on defense last season, and Josh Kaddu, Bo Lokombo, and Michael Clay lead an athletic, hard-hitting group of linebackers that will live up to the example set by the departed Matthews and Paysinger. They're gone, but they left a legacy of work habits and leadership that will live on in this corps. The secondary returns three starters, all-everywhere playmaking safety John Boyett, who had 11 tackles in the national championship game, and 159 in two years. The Human Highlight Film, Cliff Harris, was seventh on the team in scoring without ever taking an offensive snap, returning four punts for touchdown, a school record, and an interception for a 76-yard score against Tennessee. Three-year starter Eddie Pleasant is a hitter and blitz specialist at rover. A host of extremely talented underclassmen, led by Anthony Gildon and special teams standout Brian Jackson, will compete for snaps at the other corner and nickleback. Terrance Mitchell, Erick Dargan, Dior Mathis and Texas transfer Marcus Davis are strong candidates to see the field.
On the defensive line, Jerry Azzinaro and the rest of the coaching staff didn't land one of the standout tackles they were pursuing, but they got a huge break when Heimuli elected to stay for his sophomore year. With a year in the program the 6-4 318 Heimuli is far more ready to start and excel than an incoming recruit would be--his decision to stay is the equivalent of landing a five and a half star prospect. Dion Jordan and Terrell Turner are returning starters at the defensive ends, owing to last year's extensive rotation. Wade Keliipiki, Taylor Hart, Isaac Remington and Tony Washington are ready for a bigger role.
Offensively, Mark Asper, Darrion Weems, Carson York and Nick Cody all have starts and snaps. Redshirt freshman Nick Rowland, transfer Ryan Clanton, 6-7 315 Everett Benyard and redshirt freshman center Hroniss Grasu will push them. There have been web rumors, and a brief mention from Rob Moseley, that one or two of of the linemen may wind up leaving football due to chronic injury problems.
The incoming recruiting class included five outstanding line prospects, and if injuries and/or defections deplete this group, Steve Greatwood may have to rush one or two of them into the rotation. Tyler Johnstone, Andre Yruretagoyena, Jake Fisher, Jamal Prater and James Euscher have a world of promise, but ideally need a year in the weight room and at the training table to achieve it.
Impact Newcomers:
It was a terrific recruiting class, and five or six of the newcomers could contribute right away. Junior college defensive tackle Jared Ebert, 6-5, 285 and 4.8 in the 40, has the speed, quickness and motor to replace Brandon Bair in the middle of Oregon's defensive line. One of the top-rated junior college tackles in the country, he's among the most field-ready defensive linemen the Ducks could have acquired.
Wide receiver Rahsaan Vaughn, a 6-1 190-lb. speedster from the college of San Mateo, was signed to play right away.
Oregon's entire recruiting class is very talented, but most of them are two or three years away from being difference makers. The most likely candidates for immediate impact are 6-5, 240-lb. wide receiver Colt Lyerla of Hillsboro, a superb athlete with uncommon leadership and maturity who scored 40 touchdowns and won a state championship as a junior, and playmaker Devon Blackmon, an Under Armour All-American who played quarterback, running back and receiver in high school, but will utilize his 4.4 speed at receiver for the Ducks. Defensively, linebacker Anthony Wallace, 6-2, 220, sought after by Nebraska, Texas, Ohio State and nearly every other division one program in the country, could also play as a true freshman. The son of a former NFL linebacker, he's enrolling in time for spring drills, and has the strength and aggressiveness to be Vontaze Burfict with more discipline.
Critical Spring Practice Questions:
Will the 2011 Ducks find the leadership and commitment that made the 2010 team special? Will they bring the same kind of effort and intensity to spring drills? Who replaces leaders and playmakers like Matthews, Paysinger, and Maehl?
How quickly will Lyerla, Blackmon, Wallace and Ebert acclimate, learn the playbook and establish themselves?
Who starts at center, and can the offensive line get healthy and gel in time for a crisp effort at the Spring Game on April 30th?
Is Darron Thomas ready to make this his team, and take the downfield passing game to another level of efficiency and execution? Can he find dependable targets among the newcomers at receiver and the kids who've been waiting their turn? Will Eric Dungy, Keanon Lowe, Blake Cantu, or Nick Cole make a leap forward, or will one of the freshmen, perhaps Blackmon and Lyerla, or even Sumler and B.J. Kelley in fall camp, refuse to be denied?
The Ducks didn't land the Haloti Ngata-type defensive line stud they were hoping for on the recruiting trail. Given that, will Heimuli, Hart, Ebert, Jordan, Turner, Washington, Keliipiki and company achieve enough improvement to replace Rowe, Bair and Clark? Can they improve enough through weight training and technique to become a stalwart defensive line? Bold prediction: Heimuli, Hart, Ebert and Keliipiki will surprise, and develop into the best interior defensive line rotation since 2001.
Early Look at the 2011 schedule:
Sept 3 vs LSU in Dallas
Sept 10 home vs Nevada
Sept 17 home vs Missouri State
Sept 24 at Arizona
Sept 31 bye
Thurs October 6 home versus Cal
October 15 home versus Arizona State
Oregon plays 4 road games, one nuetral site game, and seven home games in 2011. They have Cal, Arizona State, USC and Oregon State at Autzen. Their critical road games are Arizona on September 24, Washington on November 5th, and Stanford on November 12th.
If the Ducks prevail in their marquee season opener versus the Bayou Bengals, in a stadium that will almost certainly be 85% purple and gold, the schedule sets up very well for another league title run and contention for a BCS bowl. No one ever rises to low expectations.
Next: the Stanford Cardinal
With Spring Practice just over a month away, it's time to summarize developments around the conference and compare notes on the competition. For some of you this is review. For others, it's a crash course on the essentials. Call it a mid-winter mental workout, the fan equivalent of seven-on-seven and Olympic lifts at 7 a.m.
Oregon Ducks
Last season:
12-1, undefeated regular season, 2nd straight conference championship. Lost National Championship on a last-second Auburn field goal 22-19. Finished 3rd in the country. LaMichael James honored as a consensus All-American at running back and winner of the Doak Walker Award. Cliff Harris a consensus All-American at returner. Led the nation in scoring at 47.0 points per game, while the defense held opponents to 18.7 per game while forcing 37 turnovers.
Way--too-early 2011 forecast:
13-0, National Champions. Duh. Seriously, with LaMichael James and Darron Thomas returning, a speed upgrade at wide receiver, a defense that should be even more athletic and attacking than last season, the Ducks should be favored in every game on their schedule, and that includes the September 3rd showdown in Cowboy Stadium with LSU.
Biggest off season headlines:
LaMichael James passes up NFL draft, elects to return for his junior season
Ricky Heimuli decides to forgo religious mission; will make a bid to start at defensive tackle in 2011
Darron Thomas takes the lead in winter workouts
Ducks sign 9th rated recruiting class in the country, including 5-star athletes Colt Lylerla and De'Anthony Thomas
Redshirt freshman running back Dontae Williams elects to transfer
Important Dates:
Spring practice begins March 28th. The Spring Game is Saturday April 30th, 1 p.m. The Ducks open the 2011 season with a prime time ESPN game versus SEC power #5 LSU at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas on September 3rd.
Key Losses:
DT Brandon Bair and Zac Clark. LB Spencer Paysinger and Casey Matthews. All-league defensive back Talmadge Jackson III. Offensive linemen Jordan Holmes, Bo Thran, C. E. Kaiser, plus reserve Max Forer. Wide receivers Jeff Maehl and DJ Davis. (All to graduation). Reserve defensive back Javes Lewis declared for the NFL draft, while Houston native Dontae Williams has declared his intention to transfer and has been granted his release from the program.
link to official Oregon roster: goducks.com
Why the losses won't matter:
Oregon rotated 26 players on defense last season, and Josh Kaddu, Bo Lokombo, and Michael Clay lead an athletic, hard-hitting group of linebackers that will live up to the example set by the departed Matthews and Paysinger. They're gone, but they left a legacy of work habits and leadership that will live on in this corps. The secondary returns three starters, all-everywhere playmaking safety John Boyett, who had 11 tackles in the national championship game, and 159 in two years. The Human Highlight Film, Cliff Harris, was seventh on the team in scoring without ever taking an offensive snap, returning four punts for touchdown, a school record, and an interception for a 76-yard score against Tennessee. Three-year starter Eddie Pleasant is a hitter and blitz specialist at rover. A host of extremely talented underclassmen, led by Anthony Gildon and special teams standout Brian Jackson, will compete for snaps at the other corner and nickleback. Terrance Mitchell, Erick Dargan, Dior Mathis and Texas transfer Marcus Davis are strong candidates to see the field.
On the defensive line, Jerry Azzinaro and the rest of the coaching staff didn't land one of the standout tackles they were pursuing, but they got a huge break when Heimuli elected to stay for his sophomore year. With a year in the program the 6-4 318 Heimuli is far more ready to start and excel than an incoming recruit would be--his decision to stay is the equivalent of landing a five and a half star prospect. Dion Jordan and Terrell Turner are returning starters at the defensive ends, owing to last year's extensive rotation. Wade Keliipiki, Taylor Hart, Isaac Remington and Tony Washington are ready for a bigger role.
Offensively, Mark Asper, Darrion Weems, Carson York and Nick Cody all have starts and snaps. Redshirt freshman Nick Rowland, transfer Ryan Clanton, 6-7 315 Everett Benyard and redshirt freshman center Hroniss Grasu will push them. There have been web rumors, and a brief mention from Rob Moseley, that one or two of of the linemen may wind up leaving football due to chronic injury problems.
The incoming recruiting class included five outstanding line prospects, and if injuries and/or defections deplete this group, Steve Greatwood may have to rush one or two of them into the rotation. Tyler Johnstone, Andre Yruretagoyena, Jake Fisher, Jamal Prater and James Euscher have a world of promise, but ideally need a year in the weight room and at the training table to achieve it.
Impact Newcomers:
It was a terrific recruiting class, and five or six of the newcomers could contribute right away. Junior college defensive tackle Jared Ebert, 6-5, 285 and 4.8 in the 40, has the speed, quickness and motor to replace Brandon Bair in the middle of Oregon's defensive line. One of the top-rated junior college tackles in the country, he's among the most field-ready defensive linemen the Ducks could have acquired.
Wide receiver Rahsaan Vaughn, a 6-1 190-lb. speedster from the college of San Mateo, was signed to play right away.
Oregon's entire recruiting class is very talented, but most of them are two or three years away from being difference makers. The most likely candidates for immediate impact are 6-5, 240-lb. wide receiver Colt Lyerla of Hillsboro, a superb athlete with uncommon leadership and maturity who scored 40 touchdowns and won a state championship as a junior, and playmaker Devon Blackmon, an Under Armour All-American who played quarterback, running back and receiver in high school, but will utilize his 4.4 speed at receiver for the Ducks. Defensively, linebacker Anthony Wallace, 6-2, 220, sought after by Nebraska, Texas, Ohio State and nearly every other division one program in the country, could also play as a true freshman. The son of a former NFL linebacker, he's enrolling in time for spring drills, and has the strength and aggressiveness to be Vontaze Burfict with more discipline.
Critical Spring Practice Questions:
Will the 2011 Ducks find the leadership and commitment that made the 2010 team special? Will they bring the same kind of effort and intensity to spring drills? Who replaces leaders and playmakers like Matthews, Paysinger, and Maehl?
How quickly will Lyerla, Blackmon, Wallace and Ebert acclimate, learn the playbook and establish themselves?
Who starts at center, and can the offensive line get healthy and gel in time for a crisp effort at the Spring Game on April 30th?
Is Darron Thomas ready to make this his team, and take the downfield passing game to another level of efficiency and execution? Can he find dependable targets among the newcomers at receiver and the kids who've been waiting their turn? Will Eric Dungy, Keanon Lowe, Blake Cantu, or Nick Cole make a leap forward, or will one of the freshmen, perhaps Blackmon and Lyerla, or even Sumler and B.J. Kelley in fall camp, refuse to be denied?
The Ducks didn't land the Haloti Ngata-type defensive line stud they were hoping for on the recruiting trail. Given that, will Heimuli, Hart, Ebert, Jordan, Turner, Washington, Keliipiki and company achieve enough improvement to replace Rowe, Bair and Clark? Can they improve enough through weight training and technique to become a stalwart defensive line? Bold prediction: Heimuli, Hart, Ebert and Keliipiki will surprise, and develop into the best interior defensive line rotation since 2001.
Early Look at the 2011 schedule:
Sept 3 vs LSU in Dallas
Sept 10 home vs Nevada
Sept 17 home vs Missouri State
Sept 24 at Arizona
Sept 31 bye
Thurs October 6 home versus Cal
October 15 home versus Arizona State
Oregon plays 4 road games, one nuetral site game, and seven home games in 2011. They have Cal, Arizona State, USC and Oregon State at Autzen. Their critical road games are Arizona on September 24, Washington on November 5th, and Stanford on November 12th.
If the Ducks prevail in their marquee season opener versus the Bayou Bengals, in a stadium that will almost certainly be 85% purple and gold, the schedule sets up very well for another league title run and contention for a BCS bowl. No one ever rises to low expectations.
Next: the Stanford Cardinal
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
What a Difference a Year Makes
Oregon overcame a huge dose of adversity last spring. By the time spring practice started it was a relief to get on the field, a relief for fans to have something to talk about other than defections, incidents, legal trouble and classroom failures.
A year later, the story is continuity and leadership. Ted Miller notes Oregon and Washington are the only two schools in the conference who have kept their coaching staffs intact for the last two seasons. That's a superficial comparison however. The core of Oregon's staff has been intact for twenty years. And Steve Greatwood, Gary Campbell, Don Pellum, Jim Radcliffe and Nick Aliotti are not just old warhorses with too much tenure to be ousted. They are masters of their profession, dynamite recruiters, great talent evaluators, and exceptional teachers. It's a wonder they haven't been offered the moon to coach elsewhere. Keeping a staff of that caliber together for such an incredible length of time is a testimony to great head coaching that's provided these men with the combination of consistency, direction and autonomy that's led them to stay so long, and to the quality of life in Eugene. Coaches don't stay in one place that long, through three head coaches, just any place.
As to leadership, last season there was a vacuum at the top. A Heisman trophy candidate at quarterback imploded, making himself a candidate for the National Knucklehead of the Year Award. It was uncertain who would win the job, and it remained so until late August. This year there is no doubt. This is Darron Thomas' team, and Rob Moseley of the Register-Guard reports he's setting the pace in the weight room and voluntary workouts. As a redshirt sophomore he threw for over 2800 yards, with 30 touchdowns against nine interceptions. It was a better sophomore year than any quarterback in Duck history. Better than Masoli. Better than Harrington, Fouts, Musgrave or Dixon. Better than a lot of senior years.
It is awesome to contemplate the fact that this young man has two seasons remaining as the Oregon starter. With his work ethic and desire to compete, with the talent that surrounds him and the coaching and direction he gets, if he stays healthy, he'll own the Oregon record book.
It's five weeks till spring practice. The Ducks have won two straight conference titles, and they're not done improving. The kids aren't satisfied, they're not complacent; they're preparing with the same intensity and purpose that got them there.
The signs and the news could not be more positive. If they stay reasonably healthy, and some key newcomers take their place in the rotation, they could be even better in 2011. If you look around the league, Stanford has a new head coach two new coordinators, and a hole at wide receiver. Washington has an inexperienced quarterback. Arizona will field an entirely new offensive line. USC's head coach is under investigation again. Cal has numerous question marks on offense. Oregon State may be without either Rodgers brother.
In any season you have to earn every win. But from this vantage point, the wins are there to be earned. They are so far ahead of last year's pace it's hard not to look back and laugh.
Last year's team had a fantastic spring camp. Their work, energy and commitment set them apart from the very beginning. So the challenge for this group is clear: finish winter workouts strong, and hit the field like champions on March 28th. It will interesting to see the results of the testing at the beginning of camp.
A year later, the story is continuity and leadership. Ted Miller notes Oregon and Washington are the only two schools in the conference who have kept their coaching staffs intact for the last two seasons. That's a superficial comparison however. The core of Oregon's staff has been intact for twenty years. And Steve Greatwood, Gary Campbell, Don Pellum, Jim Radcliffe and Nick Aliotti are not just old warhorses with too much tenure to be ousted. They are masters of their profession, dynamite recruiters, great talent evaluators, and exceptional teachers. It's a wonder they haven't been offered the moon to coach elsewhere. Keeping a staff of that caliber together for such an incredible length of time is a testimony to great head coaching that's provided these men with the combination of consistency, direction and autonomy that's led them to stay so long, and to the quality of life in Eugene. Coaches don't stay in one place that long, through three head coaches, just any place.
As to leadership, last season there was a vacuum at the top. A Heisman trophy candidate at quarterback imploded, making himself a candidate for the National Knucklehead of the Year Award. It was uncertain who would win the job, and it remained so until late August. This year there is no doubt. This is Darron Thomas' team, and Rob Moseley of the Register-Guard reports he's setting the pace in the weight room and voluntary workouts. As a redshirt sophomore he threw for over 2800 yards, with 30 touchdowns against nine interceptions. It was a better sophomore year than any quarterback in Duck history. Better than Masoli. Better than Harrington, Fouts, Musgrave or Dixon. Better than a lot of senior years.
It is awesome to contemplate the fact that this young man has two seasons remaining as the Oregon starter. With his work ethic and desire to compete, with the talent that surrounds him and the coaching and direction he gets, if he stays healthy, he'll own the Oregon record book.
It's five weeks till spring practice. The Ducks have won two straight conference titles, and they're not done improving. The kids aren't satisfied, they're not complacent; they're preparing with the same intensity and purpose that got them there.
The signs and the news could not be more positive. If they stay reasonably healthy, and some key newcomers take their place in the rotation, they could be even better in 2011. If you look around the league, Stanford has a new head coach two new coordinators, and a hole at wide receiver. Washington has an inexperienced quarterback. Arizona will field an entirely new offensive line. USC's head coach is under investigation again. Cal has numerous question marks on offense. Oregon State may be without either Rodgers brother.
In any season you have to earn every win. But from this vantage point, the wins are there to be earned. They are so far ahead of last year's pace it's hard not to look back and laugh.
Last year's team had a fantastic spring camp. Their work, energy and commitment set them apart from the very beginning. So the challenge for this group is clear: finish winter workouts strong, and hit the field like champions on March 28th. It will interesting to see the results of the testing at the beginning of camp.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Punch Drunk Love Meets the Longest Yard
The longest yard is the last one: in football, fourth and goal at the one, in life, the place where despair and brokenness overtake reason and hope.
Dave Duerson was a two-time All-American at Notre Dame, graduated with honors in Economics, made four Pro Bowls, won two Super Bowl rings. A member of the '85 Chicago Bears, arguably the toughest defense in NFL history, Duerson was a hard-hitting safety who picked off 20 career passes and had 16 quarterback sacks. He played football with enormous passion and tackled the best in the game head on. At the end of his life, the damage it caused brought him to his knees. On Thursday he shot himself, after texting his family to have his brain donated for brain injury research.
The story has shaken former players and the NFL community. It's renewed questions about football safety and the long term effects of brain injury.
Oregon fans have a great affection for Duck players that follows these young men into life. "Once a Duck, always a Duck," the saying goes. As such, Oregon fans have an obligation to support rules and practices that promote player safety:
Players should be taught never to lead with the head, never to use the helmet as a weapon. Lead with the shoulder and wrap up.
Coaches should have the absolute support of the fan community in following doctors' recommendations in not rushing players back into practice and games after a brain trauma or concussion. Chip Kelly, Gary Campbell and the medical staff were notably cautious and protective with Kenjon Barner, and that's the way it should be, even if it costs the team on the field.
Coach Kelly defers to the medical staff in all injury issues, and steadfastly protects player privacy. Neither fans or blogs or message boards or the media ought to try to end run around this policy. An injured player is day-to-day for a reason. Sometimes, his entire future, well beyond football, is at stake.
Rule changes to make the game safer ought to be fully supported and fully enforced. It's not a matter of taking the physicality out of football. The Four Horseman of Notre Dame weighed about 160 lbs. apiece. Red Grange was 5-10 170. Glen Davis 5-9 170. Doak Walker 5-11 170. Darrell Lester, a 3-time All-American center from TCU in the 1930's, was 6-4 218. The game has changed, dramatically, and the pace of change has accelerated rapidly in the last twenty years. Now there are 6-4 260-lb. linebackers who run a 4.5 40. The "defenseless player" and "leading with the crown of the helmet" penalties are necessary and logical. They should never be booed in Autzen Stadium. Officials have to do what they can to protect the players.
Resources should be available to players after football. The Alumni Association and the Duck Football Alumni Association have to spearhead efforts to keep former players connected to the Duck community, provides resources and outreach, counseling and support. Oregon is a family. There has to be a commitment to take care of our own, and encourage the ones who fall away. James Harris, Oregon's nutritionist and assistant athletic director, has created a program to assist former players in adjusting their eating habits after football. It's one example of a concrete way to provide real support to players after their football career is over. Spiritual guidance, networking, and career counseling are other tools in aiding former athletes toward productive lives after the cheers have died.
Duerson's story is uniquely his, and many of the circumstances were extenuating. But it's a reminder to us as a fan community that our investment in these young men, our commitment to their welfare and success, doesn't end with their eligibility. Oregon's hired a coach who sees his players as more than just football players, and encourages them to see themselves that way. No more than 5% of them will make significant money in the NFL, and even for those who do the average career is three and a half seasons.
All of us, fans, coaches, alumni, students and players, have to live in a way that prepares us for the longest yard. Nothing in life happens in a vacuum. Stay connected. Pick up the phone. Know who your friends are. Cultivate a network of support. Belong to someone, and believe in something.
Sometimes there isn't an answer. Sometimes a tragedy and unanswerable despair just swallows someone up. Dave Duerson left behind three sons and a daughter and many friends. He was engaged to be married. By reflecting on what his life and his death meant, we find an opportunity to honor him, by struggling toward meaning and sense. The heart of the meaning is this: no Duck should have to face the longest yard alone.
Dave Duerson was a two-time All-American at Notre Dame, graduated with honors in Economics, made four Pro Bowls, won two Super Bowl rings. A member of the '85 Chicago Bears, arguably the toughest defense in NFL history, Duerson was a hard-hitting safety who picked off 20 career passes and had 16 quarterback sacks. He played football with enormous passion and tackled the best in the game head on. At the end of his life, the damage it caused brought him to his knees. On Thursday he shot himself, after texting his family to have his brain donated for brain injury research.
The story has shaken former players and the NFL community. It's renewed questions about football safety and the long term effects of brain injury.
Oregon fans have a great affection for Duck players that follows these young men into life. "Once a Duck, always a Duck," the saying goes. As such, Oregon fans have an obligation to support rules and practices that promote player safety:
Players should be taught never to lead with the head, never to use the helmet as a weapon. Lead with the shoulder and wrap up.
Coaches should have the absolute support of the fan community in following doctors' recommendations in not rushing players back into practice and games after a brain trauma or concussion. Chip Kelly, Gary Campbell and the medical staff were notably cautious and protective with Kenjon Barner, and that's the way it should be, even if it costs the team on the field.
Coach Kelly defers to the medical staff in all injury issues, and steadfastly protects player privacy. Neither fans or blogs or message boards or the media ought to try to end run around this policy. An injured player is day-to-day for a reason. Sometimes, his entire future, well beyond football, is at stake.
Rule changes to make the game safer ought to be fully supported and fully enforced. It's not a matter of taking the physicality out of football. The Four Horseman of Notre Dame weighed about 160 lbs. apiece. Red Grange was 5-10 170. Glen Davis 5-9 170. Doak Walker 5-11 170. Darrell Lester, a 3-time All-American center from TCU in the 1930's, was 6-4 218. The game has changed, dramatically, and the pace of change has accelerated rapidly in the last twenty years. Now there are 6-4 260-lb. linebackers who run a 4.5 40. The "defenseless player" and "leading with the crown of the helmet" penalties are necessary and logical. They should never be booed in Autzen Stadium. Officials have to do what they can to protect the players.
Resources should be available to players after football. The Alumni Association and the Duck Football Alumni Association have to spearhead efforts to keep former players connected to the Duck community, provides resources and outreach, counseling and support. Oregon is a family. There has to be a commitment to take care of our own, and encourage the ones who fall away. James Harris, Oregon's nutritionist and assistant athletic director, has created a program to assist former players in adjusting their eating habits after football. It's one example of a concrete way to provide real support to players after their football career is over. Spiritual guidance, networking, and career counseling are other tools in aiding former athletes toward productive lives after the cheers have died.
Duerson's story is uniquely his, and many of the circumstances were extenuating. But it's a reminder to us as a fan community that our investment in these young men, our commitment to their welfare and success, doesn't end with their eligibility. Oregon's hired a coach who sees his players as more than just football players, and encourages them to see themselves that way. No more than 5% of them will make significant money in the NFL, and even for those who do the average career is three and a half seasons.
All of us, fans, coaches, alumni, students and players, have to live in a way that prepares us for the longest yard. Nothing in life happens in a vacuum. Stay connected. Pick up the phone. Know who your friends are. Cultivate a network of support. Belong to someone, and believe in something.
Sometimes there isn't an answer. Sometimes a tragedy and unanswerable despair just swallows someone up. Dave Duerson left behind three sons and a daughter and many friends. He was engaged to be married. By reflecting on what his life and his death meant, we find an opportunity to honor him, by struggling toward meaning and sense. The heart of the meaning is this: no Duck should have to face the longest yard alone.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday morning with a pot of coffee and dancing with my wife in the kitchen
If you give over precious hours of your life to any activity, it inevitably invites you to consider the same essential lessons, beginning with perspective and the long view. A fisherman learns to treasure the comradeship and time on the river over the hogs that slipped off the hook or flopped out of the boat. A football fan subjects himself to panic and wringing of the hands as the off season news trickles in, but in time he learns that Chris Harper, Aaron Pflugrad, Tyrece Gaines and Diante Jackson were pale bit players to Jeff Maehl, DJ Davis, Lavasier Tuinei and Josh Huff. Championships are won with the players who stay, and not the ones who got away. Delvon Simmons and Jadaveon Clowney didn't come, but Taylor Hart and Michael Clay are busy in the weight room.
The ones who did come give us plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Stephen Alexander of The Portland Tribune ran a feature a couple of weeks ago I missed at the time, where he interviewed a few of the the incoming recruits and their high school coaches. It's a thorough article, and a glimpse we rarely get, an invitation to free your imagination to consider the possibility that the dream is only beginning in Eugene, a tradition proud and stately and as yet unpoisoned by jealousy, misplaced fervency or greed. We have no oaks or unfurled rolls of tissue here; our hopes reside in the quality of our people. With a few terse words and a lot of consistent action Chip Kelly has built his program with athletes who compete fiercely and work hard. A year ago in January Darron Thomas had knee surgery; this year he's in the weight room and leading 7-on-7. Expect big things from him, and they'll be no bigger than what he expects from himself.
Speaking of expectations, how low are the expectations at the Oregonian since Ken Goe got taken off the football beat? The Ducks are the number one sports story in the state, but you'd never know after a visit to oregonlive. While the Register-Guard regularly gives us meaty commentary and analysis, and an inside look at the team's off season preparation and roster changes, the Big O limps in with a rehash of a three-year-old story of an agent who slipped Fenuki Tupou a hundred bucks (a violation long since reported and repaid) and what happens to old uniforms after the players who wore them graduate (they're sold for charity--good enough, but we're equally interested in the players who'll wear the new ones.) In their Blazer/Timber myopia, the Oregonian drops the ball on Duck football, particularly from January through July. Bob Rickert serving up lukewarm recruiting rumors just won't do. That all you got?
Now if you'll excuse me, my wife is pouring her second cup, and I've got some twirling to do, and some light kisses to lay on her beautiful brow. These are the moments of heaven we often ignore, failing to appreciate the comradeship and time on the river.
The ones who did come give us plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Stephen Alexander of The Portland Tribune ran a feature a couple of weeks ago I missed at the time, where he interviewed a few of the the incoming recruits and their high school coaches. It's a thorough article, and a glimpse we rarely get, an invitation to free your imagination to consider the possibility that the dream is only beginning in Eugene, a tradition proud and stately and as yet unpoisoned by jealousy, misplaced fervency or greed. We have no oaks or unfurled rolls of tissue here; our hopes reside in the quality of our people. With a few terse words and a lot of consistent action Chip Kelly has built his program with athletes who compete fiercely and work hard. A year ago in January Darron Thomas had knee surgery; this year he's in the weight room and leading 7-on-7. Expect big things from him, and they'll be no bigger than what he expects from himself.
Speaking of expectations, how low are the expectations at the Oregonian since Ken Goe got taken off the football beat? The Ducks are the number one sports story in the state, but you'd never know after a visit to oregonlive. While the Register-Guard regularly gives us meaty commentary and analysis, and an inside look at the team's off season preparation and roster changes, the Big O limps in with a rehash of a three-year-old story of an agent who slipped Fenuki Tupou a hundred bucks (a violation long since reported and repaid) and what happens to old uniforms after the players who wore them graduate (they're sold for charity--good enough, but we're equally interested in the players who'll wear the new ones.) In their Blazer/Timber myopia, the Oregonian drops the ball on Duck football, particularly from January through July. Bob Rickert serving up lukewarm recruiting rumors just won't do. That all you got?
Now if you'll excuse me, my wife is pouring her second cup, and I've got some twirling to do, and some light kisses to lay on her beautiful brow. These are the moments of heaven we often ignore, failing to appreciate the comradeship and time on the river.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Dontae Ducks Out, Touches Off an Inferno of Speculation
In the absence of details the web goes crazy, with laments, domino theories, speculation, innuendo and wild rumor. Rob Moseley and various other outlets have announced redshirt freshman running back Dontae Williams has asked for and been granted a release from his scholarship agreement and intends to transfer.
It's the first negative news of the non-football season and as such, it's thrown the Ducks off their feed. Woody Hayes was famous for having said, "three things can happen when you pass, and only one is good." Hayes stuck to three yards and a cloud of dust, won three national championships and 200 games before spit-screaming and sideline-punching his way to oblivion and ignominy. In the same way, four things can happen to a football team in the off season, and only one is good. Silence. No news, no shakeouts, no arraignments praying for a misdemeanor.
Williams' decision is especially unsettling, because he'd made it through the hard part, the year of scout team scut work, and he would have seen the field this year. He'd worked hard in practice and made an impression, seemed ideally suited for a role as the bigger, stronger, change-of-pace back in the Oregon rotation, a guy Chip Kelly could scheme some wrinkles for and keep the defense at home with all the wild deception going on around him. Dontae was built like a sleek Dodge truck, a Houston native with power and speed. He would have got his touches. He would have mattered and been remembered as a Duck, but in the end he lacked the will to stay.
In the end, they're kids, and he was a kid 2404 miles from home. No one in print yet knows if it was grades or homesickness or a girl or NFL ambitions, but young Dontae Williams is gone. Someone or something got to him, and he no longer considered the Oregon program a fit home for him. In the absence of real information we can only accept it.
Coach Kelly has often said if a player doesn't want to be here the program is ready to move on. "We'll miss you, but we'll move on without you" is the essence of his wisdom on that subject. Obviously he and Gary Campbell are coaches who care deeply about their athletes, and they must have counselled Williams and came to a handshake about his decision. He could have played here, but he wants to play somewhere else, so it's the right decision for him to go.
Any backfield with LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner, Lache Seastrunk, De'Anthony Thomas, and Tra Carson is in pretty good shape for a new season. There are a half dozen other athletes who could carry the ball as well, if a rash of injuries decimated the formidable rotation. Josh Huff. Colt Lyerla. Devon Blackmon. Terrence Mitchell. You could hand the ball to any of these and point them North, and another Duck legend would begin.
But you always lament the ones that leave the flock. And you worry that the announcement will touch off a torrent of bad news, like last year when the Fulmer Cup scoreboard lit up like a cupcake game at Autzen, and half the wide receiver corps wound up in community college or jail.
For now, it's one young man making a difficult decision, and we wish him well.
It's the first negative news of the non-football season and as such, it's thrown the Ducks off their feed. Woody Hayes was famous for having said, "three things can happen when you pass, and only one is good." Hayes stuck to three yards and a cloud of dust, won three national championships and 200 games before spit-screaming and sideline-punching his way to oblivion and ignominy. In the same way, four things can happen to a football team in the off season, and only one is good. Silence. No news, no shakeouts, no arraignments praying for a misdemeanor.
Williams' decision is especially unsettling, because he'd made it through the hard part, the year of scout team scut work, and he would have seen the field this year. He'd worked hard in practice and made an impression, seemed ideally suited for a role as the bigger, stronger, change-of-pace back in the Oregon rotation, a guy Chip Kelly could scheme some wrinkles for and keep the defense at home with all the wild deception going on around him. Dontae was built like a sleek Dodge truck, a Houston native with power and speed. He would have got his touches. He would have mattered and been remembered as a Duck, but in the end he lacked the will to stay.
In the end, they're kids, and he was a kid 2404 miles from home. No one in print yet knows if it was grades or homesickness or a girl or NFL ambitions, but young Dontae Williams is gone. Someone or something got to him, and he no longer considered the Oregon program a fit home for him. In the absence of real information we can only accept it.
Coach Kelly has often said if a player doesn't want to be here the program is ready to move on. "We'll miss you, but we'll move on without you" is the essence of his wisdom on that subject. Obviously he and Gary Campbell are coaches who care deeply about their athletes, and they must have counselled Williams and came to a handshake about his decision. He could have played here, but he wants to play somewhere else, so it's the right decision for him to go.
Any backfield with LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner, Lache Seastrunk, De'Anthony Thomas, and Tra Carson is in pretty good shape for a new season. There are a half dozen other athletes who could carry the ball as well, if a rash of injuries decimated the formidable rotation. Josh Huff. Colt Lyerla. Devon Blackmon. Terrence Mitchell. You could hand the ball to any of these and point them North, and another Duck legend would begin.
But you always lament the ones that leave the flock. And you worry that the announcement will touch off a torrent of bad news, like last year when the Fulmer Cup scoreboard lit up like a cupcake game at Autzen, and half the wide receiver corps wound up in community college or jail.
For now, it's one young man making a difficult decision, and we wish him well.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Rob Moseley Wins a Football Grammy
Last night Ron Bellamy, sports editor of the Register-Guard, made an announcement:
UO football beat writer Rob Moseley earned top 10 recognition for feature writing in the 30,000 to 75,000 circulation category in judging for the Associated Press Sports Editors contest for 2010.
The Moze won his nomination for an insightful feature story he did on Chip Kelly but Duck fans know Moseley does a consistently diligent and brilliant job covering the Ducks, day in and day out, two seasons a year (because there are only two true seasons for an Oregon fan, in-season and off-season. Moseley excels at both.)
Call it well-deserved recognition for a guy who works at a Chip Kelly pace.
UO football beat writer Rob Moseley earned top 10 recognition for feature writing in the 30,000 to 75,000 circulation category in judging for the Associated Press Sports Editors contest for 2010.
The Moze won his nomination for an insightful feature story he did on Chip Kelly but Duck fans know Moseley does a consistently diligent and brilliant job covering the Ducks, day in and day out, two seasons a year (because there are only two true seasons for an Oregon fan, in-season and off-season. Moseley excels at both.)
Call it well-deserved recognition for a guy who works at a Chip Kelly pace.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Coffee with the Fish Duck
Fish Duck, or Charles Fischer as he is known to his clients and family, is the mad scientist of Oregon football, a blog and web legend who studies Duck football so deeply and carefully it got Nick Aliotti to go the greaseboard instead of running for the Mosofsky Center exits. His "Fish Reports" are eagerly awaited and avidly read, providing the most in-depth analysis of Oregon football anywhere. He breaks down stuff Craig James and Kirk Herbstreit routinely miss.
So it was with great eagerness I accepted his invitation to meet for coffee. The Fish was in town to meet some clients, and he wanted to get together to talk about his plans to expand the Fish Report franchise with video links and advanced feedback and archive tools.
When the Fish speaks, it's like E.F. Hutton. Duck fans listen. And no Duck blogger would pass up an invitation to break bread or pick up a stir stick. I was eager to pick his brain.
We shook hands, and within a couple of minutes Charles had fired up his laptop and was deep into an explanation of the Inside Zone Read and the Outside Zone Read plays. He showed me a site called trojanfootballanalysis.com that does as detailed a job as Fish at breaking down plays, formations and strategies. Lots of meaty, inside stuff, some football nourishment amidst the winter famine. One of the the things featured on the Trojan football site is a coaching clinic Chip Kelly did in 2009, explaining the zone read and his offense. Great stuff.
With the start of spring practice still six weeks away FD is working on a new report Duck fans will be excited to see. He told me, "I believe in the Auburn game Chip Kelly showed us a preview of next year's offense." Great coaches adapt their scheme to the talent at hand, he explained, and in the coming season, Kelly has a wealth of talent at running back while losing two senior receivers. In Glendale, The Visor unveiled some intriguing new wrinkles, like three-back sets, triple option looks, and even David Paulson operating like a fullback in a variation of an I-formation dive play. The variety, deception and innovation could take the Oregon offense to a whole new level, and that's saying something, considering last year included a 12-0 regular season, 47 points a game and 6899 yards of offense.
The new stuff didn't work as well against Auburn as it will after a month of spring practice and a month of fall camp, Fish Duck explained, largely because Darron Thomas didn't look comfortable with it yet. "He missed some reads," Fish noted. Nick Fairley gave the Ducks fits inside, but that was a matchup issue--"the guy is going to be one of the top five picks in this year's NFL draft. He did that to every kind of offense."
Fish noted Oregon threw for 374 yards in that game, while the deplorable field conditions negated their outside running game and cutback ability. "On field turf, with all the other elements being the same, I believe Oregon wins that game by three or four points," he said. This coming season, the Ducks will have some new answers and options. Their future is brighter than their past, Fischer believes.
The Fish noted Kelly has always been a bold, creative coach, even going back to his days at New Hampshire. He never stops scheming, relentless and tireless in his pursuit of wins and staying ahead of defenses. The addition of Colt Lyerla, Lache Seastrunk and De'Anthony Thomas will give him even more offensive ammunition. Imagine Lyerla at 6-5 240 as the lead blocker on one of those I-formation wrinkles. Imagine him out wide at the goal line, 6-5 with a 40-inch vertical leap.
Fishduck will have the breakdowns and details in his next Fish Report, and when it's available we'll publish it here with improved tools for feedback and comment. He'll still be available at all his usual haunts, the brackish waters and whirlpools of Duck Sports Authority and Addicted to Quack.
So it was with great eagerness I accepted his invitation to meet for coffee. The Fish was in town to meet some clients, and he wanted to get together to talk about his plans to expand the Fish Report franchise with video links and advanced feedback and archive tools.
When the Fish speaks, it's like E.F. Hutton. Duck fans listen. And no Duck blogger would pass up an invitation to break bread or pick up a stir stick. I was eager to pick his brain.
We shook hands, and within a couple of minutes Charles had fired up his laptop and was deep into an explanation of the Inside Zone Read and the Outside Zone Read plays. He showed me a site called trojanfootballanalysis.com that does as detailed a job as Fish at breaking down plays, formations and strategies. Lots of meaty, inside stuff, some football nourishment amidst the winter famine. One of the the things featured on the Trojan football site is a coaching clinic Chip Kelly did in 2009, explaining the zone read and his offense. Great stuff.
With the start of spring practice still six weeks away FD is working on a new report Duck fans will be excited to see. He told me, "I believe in the Auburn game Chip Kelly showed us a preview of next year's offense." Great coaches adapt their scheme to the talent at hand, he explained, and in the coming season, Kelly has a wealth of talent at running back while losing two senior receivers. In Glendale, The Visor unveiled some intriguing new wrinkles, like three-back sets, triple option looks, and even David Paulson operating like a fullback in a variation of an I-formation dive play. The variety, deception and innovation could take the Oregon offense to a whole new level, and that's saying something, considering last year included a 12-0 regular season, 47 points a game and 6899 yards of offense.
The new stuff didn't work as well against Auburn as it will after a month of spring practice and a month of fall camp, Fish Duck explained, largely because Darron Thomas didn't look comfortable with it yet. "He missed some reads," Fish noted. Nick Fairley gave the Ducks fits inside, but that was a matchup issue--"the guy is going to be one of the top five picks in this year's NFL draft. He did that to every kind of offense."
Fish noted Oregon threw for 374 yards in that game, while the deplorable field conditions negated their outside running game and cutback ability. "On field turf, with all the other elements being the same, I believe Oregon wins that game by three or four points," he said. This coming season, the Ducks will have some new answers and options. Their future is brighter than their past, Fischer believes.
The Fish noted Kelly has always been a bold, creative coach, even going back to his days at New Hampshire. He never stops scheming, relentless and tireless in his pursuit of wins and staying ahead of defenses. The addition of Colt Lyerla, Lache Seastrunk and De'Anthony Thomas will give him even more offensive ammunition. Imagine Lyerla at 6-5 240 as the lead blocker on one of those I-formation wrinkles. Imagine him out wide at the goal line, 6-5 with a 40-inch vertical leap.
Fishduck will have the breakdowns and details in his next Fish Report, and when it's available we'll publish it here with improved tools for feedback and comment. He'll still be available at all his usual haunts, the brackish waters and whirlpools of Duck Sports Authority and Addicted to Quack.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Clowney's a Gamecock, but the Ducks Are #3 in the Country with Plenty of Playmakers of their Own
Preseason rankings matter, but only for one reason. The higher the initial ranking, the easier it is to reach the top or stay there. Ranked third to start the season, the Ducks can absorb a loss without disappearing, while a couple of convincing wins over LSU and Nevada would have them getting first place votes.
Ask Chip Kelly and you'd get the standard answer. But as long as NCAA division one football remains a beauty contest reporters and coaches vote on and computers handicap, the rankings matter. The difference between number two and number four is about twenty million dollars, and the opportunity to get another crack at the SEC.
The cautious among us will point out that Oregon lost 10 starters after the Auburn game, including senior leaders who forged the character and personality of the team. Chip Kelly will have plenty of talent to draw plays for in 2011. What he won't have is Drew Davis, Spencer Paysinger and Casey Matthews to shape the will and the heart. Leadership and maturity, not defensive tackle, is the Ducks' biggest question mark this year.
The doomsayers among us point to road games in Dallas, Tucson, Seattle and Palo Alto as the pot holes in a difficult schedule. The Webfoots don't duck any of the PAC-12's heavyweights in their nine-game conference schedule, missing only woefully disorganized UCLA and rebuilding Utah.
But they have six home games, including USC and Oregon State to end the year. The opponents have challenges of their own. LSU replaces their offensive coordinator and six starters on defense, including the Jim Thorpe Award winner. Arizona has to break in an entire offensive line as all five starters used up their eligibility. Nevada is without Colin Kaepernick and their leading rusher. The Huskies will have a sophomore quarterback. Though Stanford has future number one draft pick Andrew Luck back, the Cardinal will be without Jim Harbaugh, Owen Marecic, Chase Beeler, Doug Baldwin, two coordinators, and 26 other seniors. They kept an incredible asset, but lose a lot elsewhere. With Harbaugh gone, they'll fall back a little, in spite of the optimistic projections.
In college football, transitions like these are inevitable. Part of the charm of the sport is the four-year cycle of building and hoping and saying good-bye. In South Keralina fans are ecstactic tonight because a man-child put on a new hat. In Eugene and the Willamette Valley and the far-flung corners of the world where a random stranger will throw up an "O" when he sees your hat, optimism burns like the flame of hope in democracy, because the Ducks do things the right way and recruit players who do the same.
Tonight Oregon doesn't have Jadaveon Clowney, but they have Dion Jordan, Terrell Turner, Tony Washington, Christian French, Sam Kamp, Lake Koa-Ka'ai and the pride and tradition of a two-time conference champion. The kids will be all right. Maybe they settle for the Rose Bowl this year, who knows. But what is certain that every step of the journey will be memorable and intense. They won't quit. They'll come out of the starting blocks with a burst, and race all the way to the tape.
Ask Chip Kelly and you'd get the standard answer. But as long as NCAA division one football remains a beauty contest reporters and coaches vote on and computers handicap, the rankings matter. The difference between number two and number four is about twenty million dollars, and the opportunity to get another crack at the SEC.
The cautious among us will point out that Oregon lost 10 starters after the Auburn game, including senior leaders who forged the character and personality of the team. Chip Kelly will have plenty of talent to draw plays for in 2011. What he won't have is Drew Davis, Spencer Paysinger and Casey Matthews to shape the will and the heart. Leadership and maturity, not defensive tackle, is the Ducks' biggest question mark this year.
The doomsayers among us point to road games in Dallas, Tucson, Seattle and Palo Alto as the pot holes in a difficult schedule. The Webfoots don't duck any of the PAC-12's heavyweights in their nine-game conference schedule, missing only woefully disorganized UCLA and rebuilding Utah.
But they have six home games, including USC and Oregon State to end the year. The opponents have challenges of their own. LSU replaces their offensive coordinator and six starters on defense, including the Jim Thorpe Award winner. Arizona has to break in an entire offensive line as all five starters used up their eligibility. Nevada is without Colin Kaepernick and their leading rusher. The Huskies will have a sophomore quarterback. Though Stanford has future number one draft pick Andrew Luck back, the Cardinal will be without Jim Harbaugh, Owen Marecic, Chase Beeler, Doug Baldwin, two coordinators, and 26 other seniors. They kept an incredible asset, but lose a lot elsewhere. With Harbaugh gone, they'll fall back a little, in spite of the optimistic projections.
In college football, transitions like these are inevitable. Part of the charm of the sport is the four-year cycle of building and hoping and saying good-bye. In South Keralina fans are ecstactic tonight because a man-child put on a new hat. In Eugene and the Willamette Valley and the far-flung corners of the world where a random stranger will throw up an "O" when he sees your hat, optimism burns like the flame of hope in democracy, because the Ducks do things the right way and recruit players who do the same.
Tonight Oregon doesn't have Jadaveon Clowney, but they have Dion Jordan, Terrell Turner, Tony Washington, Christian French, Sam Kamp, Lake Koa-Ka'ai and the pride and tradition of a two-time conference champion. The kids will be all right. Maybe they settle for the Rose Bowl this year, who knows. But what is certain that every step of the journey will be memorable and intense. They won't quit. They'll come out of the starting blocks with a burst, and race all the way to the tape.
Friday, February 11, 2011
What the Ducks Do in Recruiting Better than Almost Anyone
This week Andy Staples revisited the 2008 recruiting classes around the country, and the Ducks, who were originally ranked 19th by Rivals and #23 by Scout, figured to be number two when the classes were revisited. Staples cited the list of stars that emerged from the class, including the since-departed Jeremiah Masoli and LeGarrette Blount, in assigning that lofty ranking.
The class of 2008 had a sudden impact. LaMichael James, Darron Thomas and John Boyett are the backbone of a team that went to the Rose Bowl in 2009-10 and 12-0 last fall. Several more from the 2008 group are filling key roles. Carson York will be a four-year starter, and Nick Cody will be one of the anchors on the offensive line going forward. Dion Jordan switched positions to emerge as playmaker at defensive end. Josh Kaddu and Kiko Alonso contributed early, and both could be starters in 2011. Each will certainly make the linebacker rotation.
Others got lost in the shuffle. Chris Harper, Mychal Rivera and Ellis Krout are long gone. Justin Thompson never made it. Zach Taylor flunked out.
Normally it takes two or three years to evaluate a recruiting class, but the early returns on the 2009 class are also promising. There were some big misses like Diante Jackson and Tyrece Gaines, but Cliff Harris became a consensus All-American at returner and second team All-Conference at corner. Michael Clay has had a solid first two seasons at outside linebacker. Lavasier Tuinei has had two steady seasons blocking and catching, and he could emerge as a star this fall, taking up some of the slack for the departed Jeff Maehl. Jackson Rice and Bo Lokombo have been terrific from the beginning.
These guys you know about, and that much is review. But what the Ducks do better than almost anyone in the country is fill the roster with guys who contribute character, competitiveness, upside and effort. On some teams, the players who don't emerge as starters become malcontents and distractions. Even way down the depth chart, Oregon has players who practice hard and keep competing.
Two outstanding examples of this are Daryle Hawkins and Justin Hoffman. In 2009, Hawkins got one of Oregon's last scholarships. He was a 2-star athlete from Omaha, Nebraska with just one other offer. He probably could have been a starter and a star at Northern Iowa, but he chose to come to Eugene and challenge himself against the best.
In Hawkins the Duck coaching staff found an athlete with hidden promise as a football player. He'd only been a quarterback for one season and lost most of that to injury, but he was a receiver on a team that won a state title as a junior. His basketball team won three state championships in four years, and he won first in state in the triple jump, second in the long jump, and third in the 110 meter hurdles.
Even though Hawkins has only seen limited time in the Oregon lineup after two seasons, he enters his redshirt sophomore season having already made an important contribution. In the Ducks' preparation for the national championship game, the 6-4 Hawkins accepted the role of simulating Cam Newton for the Oregon defense. Watch the tape of the game again and notice some of the subtle fruits of that effort. The UO defenders came in high on Newton in the pocket, maintaining leverage and pinning his throwing arm as they tackled him. In the fourth quarter, Casey Matthews, who'd scouted the Auburn quarterback's habit of carrying the ball low and away from his body, punches out a critical fumble. Hawkins did a great job of getting them ready, and they'd clearly paid attention in film study, holding the vaunted Auburn offense to 22 points.
Every year Oregon finds gems like these. Guys with character. Guys who can develop. Guys who accept a role on a championship team and keep pushing. This week Jackson Long of the Oregon Daily Emerald had a terrific interview with Hawkins, and what comes through loud and clear in the piece is the redshirt sophomore's tremendous attitude:
ODE: The Ducks' offense next year looks to be stacked with talent, both returners and fresh faces. It seems as though there aren't enough positions on the field to fit all the deserving players, including yourself. Is that frustrating for you?
DH: It's definitely not frustrating. If anything, it's exciting. Coaches will put the best out there, and if you are out there on the field, that means you are really good and you worked hard to get minutes. Just being a part of the team is kind of something special.
ODE: Who is the most underrated player on the team?
DH: Justin Hoffman definitely is one of the hardest-working kids on the team. He earned his scholarship and playing time last year. Getting him out of that 96 jersey to the 81 was great. We do this thing called last man standing in practice, which is basically up-downs until we can't do up-downs anymore. He is always one of the finalists. Always.
That's wonderful inside information, and Brown deserves kudos for bringing it to light. This was a top-notch interview from a student journalist. The great thing it reveals about Oregon football is this: Hawkins got the last scholarship in 2009. Justin Hoffman was an unheralded walk-on. Yet these two young men are two of the hardest workers on the team, and when spring practice starts, they'll be candidates to make the two-deep and get playing time this fall. If the Ducks' flashy, lightning-fast receiver recruits want to start early in their careers, they'll have to outwork and outplay Hoffman and Hawkins. Hawkins sees the defense with a quarterback's eyes. To play over top of him, Devon Blackmon or Colt Lyerla will have to master their assignments. To beat out Justin Hoffman, they'll have to prove they can complete blocks downfield.
Attitude reflects leadership. And on the Oregon roster, even the last scholarship athlete and the first walk-on to earn one are leaders. It's another thing the star ratings and instant analysis can't account for, another thing that sets Chip Kelly's team apart, why they could be even better in 2011. He's assembled 85 young men who love playing football together. That unity and resolve are the heart of a three-time championship team.
The class of 2008 had a sudden impact. LaMichael James, Darron Thomas and John Boyett are the backbone of a team that went to the Rose Bowl in 2009-10 and 12-0 last fall. Several more from the 2008 group are filling key roles. Carson York will be a four-year starter, and Nick Cody will be one of the anchors on the offensive line going forward. Dion Jordan switched positions to emerge as playmaker at defensive end. Josh Kaddu and Kiko Alonso contributed early, and both could be starters in 2011. Each will certainly make the linebacker rotation.
Others got lost in the shuffle. Chris Harper, Mychal Rivera and Ellis Krout are long gone. Justin Thompson never made it. Zach Taylor flunked out.
Normally it takes two or three years to evaluate a recruiting class, but the early returns on the 2009 class are also promising. There were some big misses like Diante Jackson and Tyrece Gaines, but Cliff Harris became a consensus All-American at returner and second team All-Conference at corner. Michael Clay has had a solid first two seasons at outside linebacker. Lavasier Tuinei has had two steady seasons blocking and catching, and he could emerge as a star this fall, taking up some of the slack for the departed Jeff Maehl. Jackson Rice and Bo Lokombo have been terrific from the beginning.
These guys you know about, and that much is review. But what the Ducks do better than almost anyone in the country is fill the roster with guys who contribute character, competitiveness, upside and effort. On some teams, the players who don't emerge as starters become malcontents and distractions. Even way down the depth chart, Oregon has players who practice hard and keep competing.
Two outstanding examples of this are Daryle Hawkins and Justin Hoffman. In 2009, Hawkins got one of Oregon's last scholarships. He was a 2-star athlete from Omaha, Nebraska with just one other offer. He probably could have been a starter and a star at Northern Iowa, but he chose to come to Eugene and challenge himself against the best.
In Hawkins the Duck coaching staff found an athlete with hidden promise as a football player. He'd only been a quarterback for one season and lost most of that to injury, but he was a receiver on a team that won a state title as a junior. His basketball team won three state championships in four years, and he won first in state in the triple jump, second in the long jump, and third in the 110 meter hurdles.
Even though Hawkins has only seen limited time in the Oregon lineup after two seasons, he enters his redshirt sophomore season having already made an important contribution. In the Ducks' preparation for the national championship game, the 6-4 Hawkins accepted the role of simulating Cam Newton for the Oregon defense. Watch the tape of the game again and notice some of the subtle fruits of that effort. The UO defenders came in high on Newton in the pocket, maintaining leverage and pinning his throwing arm as they tackled him. In the fourth quarter, Casey Matthews, who'd scouted the Auburn quarterback's habit of carrying the ball low and away from his body, punches out a critical fumble. Hawkins did a great job of getting them ready, and they'd clearly paid attention in film study, holding the vaunted Auburn offense to 22 points.
Every year Oregon finds gems like these. Guys with character. Guys who can develop. Guys who accept a role on a championship team and keep pushing. This week Jackson Long of the Oregon Daily Emerald had a terrific interview with Hawkins, and what comes through loud and clear in the piece is the redshirt sophomore's tremendous attitude:
ODE: The Ducks' offense next year looks to be stacked with talent, both returners and fresh faces. It seems as though there aren't enough positions on the field to fit all the deserving players, including yourself. Is that frustrating for you?
DH: It's definitely not frustrating. If anything, it's exciting. Coaches will put the best out there, and if you are out there on the field, that means you are really good and you worked hard to get minutes. Just being a part of the team is kind of something special.
ODE: Who is the most underrated player on the team?
DH: Justin Hoffman definitely is one of the hardest-working kids on the team. He earned his scholarship and playing time last year. Getting him out of that 96 jersey to the 81 was great. We do this thing called last man standing in practice, which is basically up-downs until we can't do up-downs anymore. He is always one of the finalists. Always.
That's wonderful inside information, and Brown deserves kudos for bringing it to light. This was a top-notch interview from a student journalist. The great thing it reveals about Oregon football is this: Hawkins got the last scholarship in 2009. Justin Hoffman was an unheralded walk-on. Yet these two young men are two of the hardest workers on the team, and when spring practice starts, they'll be candidates to make the two-deep and get playing time this fall. If the Ducks' flashy, lightning-fast receiver recruits want to start early in their careers, they'll have to outwork and outplay Hoffman and Hawkins. Hawkins sees the defense with a quarterback's eyes. To play over top of him, Devon Blackmon or Colt Lyerla will have to master their assignments. To beat out Justin Hoffman, they'll have to prove they can complete blocks downfield.
Attitude reflects leadership. And on the Oregon roster, even the last scholarship athlete and the first walk-on to earn one are leaders. It's another thing the star ratings and instant analysis can't account for, another thing that sets Chip Kelly's team apart, why they could be even better in 2011. He's assembled 85 young men who love playing football together. That unity and resolve are the heart of a three-time championship team.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
What Passes for News these Days
In the void between Signing Day and spring practice, what passes for news is a paltry soup of one culled potato and meatless rumor. Clowney might come and then he doesn't. DAT is on the run from the Bloods and the Crips, who supposedly don't know their way up I-5. Kenjon, Dior and LaMichael are Ducks on the fast track.
Not much to report or comment on, but that's great news when you consider the alternative. Here are some headlines from last year, and this month around the country. Think of it as a pop quiz, and identify which are which:
"Quarterback Implicated in Laptop Theft, May Be Kicked Off the Team."
"Georgia Running Back Suspended Indefinitely"
"Backup Quarterback Transfers to Miami"
"Defensive End Permanently Ineligible"
"Coach suspends 3 players indefinitely"
"Star Halfback Jailed after Altercation with Coed"
It's too early to preview spring practice, and too obsessive to break down next year's schedule, but for the next few weeks, be glad there isn't much Duck news. Because this time of year, most of the way to make headlines are untrustworthy. They involve losing a coach or an implosion on the roster. They are dominated by bad news involving girls, guns or grades, players shipping out in a huff over the depth chart or coaches exiting for more money.
A week ago Rob Moseley drove by the practice fields on the way to an assignment at the women's basketball game and he saw the kickers, holders and snappers working out.
That's enough news for now. Spring practice convenes in about 48 days, and the spring game a month after that. Until then, enjoy the quiet as coaches and players weather storms around the country. Enjoy the fact the Ducks have an intact roster and a staff that stayed home.
Not much to report or comment on, but that's great news when you consider the alternative. Here are some headlines from last year, and this month around the country. Think of it as a pop quiz, and identify which are which:
"Quarterback Implicated in Laptop Theft, May Be Kicked Off the Team."
"Georgia Running Back Suspended Indefinitely"
"Backup Quarterback Transfers to Miami"
"Defensive End Permanently Ineligible"
"Coach suspends 3 players indefinitely"
"Star Halfback Jailed after Altercation with Coed"
It's too early to preview spring practice, and too obsessive to break down next year's schedule, but for the next few weeks, be glad there isn't much Duck news. Because this time of year, most of the way to make headlines are untrustworthy. They involve losing a coach or an implosion on the roster. They are dominated by bad news involving girls, guns or grades, players shipping out in a huff over the depth chart or coaches exiting for more money.
A week ago Rob Moseley drove by the practice fields on the way to an assignment at the women's basketball game and he saw the kickers, holders and snappers working out.
That's enough news for now. Spring practice convenes in about 48 days, and the spring game a month after that. Until then, enjoy the quiet as coaches and players weather storms around the country. Enjoy the fact the Ducks have an intact roster and a staff that stayed home.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Fish Report: A New Bowl Strategy?
special guest column by Charles "Fishduck" Fischer
Yet it did not happen in the National Championship game.
I was surprised at how many television time-outs occurred as well the length of them. Augment that with some cagey time-outs taken by Auburn as our momentum was building, and it became clear in the final quarter that our usual result was not going to happen as we had seen throughout the season. The Rose Bowl also demonstrated that the No-Huddle was a Non-Factor in that game as well with the tons of television breaks. What brought us to the BCS games was not going to sustain us when playing in them. Do we change our strategy for the Bowl games and perhaps rethink how we use our players?
To run the No-Huddle offense, it is preferable to have lighter, faster linemen who can move in space and can hold up under the extreme fatigue-inducing continuous play. It makes sense that 285 to 290 lb Offensive Linemen can carry out this strategy easier than 310 lb. earthmovers, hence our recruiting and training has emphasized this lighter, fitter offensive lineman profile. Yet when we take on other BCS teams-it becomes apparent that our lighter Offensive Linemen have tough sledding in the trenches against high quality Defensive Linemen, and the objective for their light weight, (the fatigue factor) becomes useless against the ongoing stream of time-outs. Thus our aim of the trim lineman is negated by television, and our running game is stymied by BCS Defensive Linemen against our lighter O-Line. Now what?
We can’t change to the earthmover profile for our O-Line, as then we lose a major component of our offense for the regular season. Yet the reality is that in the Bowl-the opponent’s line is not getting worn down-WE ARE. Our lightweight speedy O-Linemen are losing the LOS battle for the running game, which is crucial for Oregon. Instead of changing styles of Offensive Linemen-can we ADD another line? A Bruiser Offensive Line? Call one O-Line the Green team, and the other the Black team. (No one wants to be the “yellow” team)
Sounds wacky, but stay with me on this. Chip Kelly has done a TON of wacky things that have worked wonderfully, such as the rapid practices, the blaring music at practices, and the stunning use of twenty five players on defense this year! He surprised everyone including us Oregon fans with this unorthodox strategy, yet it worked with all the underclassmen playing on defense and created one of the top teams in America for creating turnovers. Offensive linemen NEED to work together, to have that chemistry together. We can’t just shuffle new fellows in the game and out and expect great results. What if we had ANOTHER O-Line, that was beefier, and came in during the regular season for every third drive or so, (or short ones) and developed their chemistry. Thus in the Bowl game they are battle-ready, and have the size to take on the extraordinary Defensive Tackles that we see in BCS games.
Yeah, it’s different. But everything Chip does is different. We have a ton of talented new Offensive Linemen coming out of redshirt, and others joining us this fall. We have not got the depth yet, but the talent is rising on the Offensive Line. Is this the time to begin to build on this strategy so that in a year or so we are able to implement BOTH STRATEGIES? Oh baby-how much fun would THAT be to watch! We watch the Green group sprinting from the old LOS to the new; then the Black Group is blasting legendary holes for our speed burners to jet through. Holy Crap-we love it!
Am I off my rocker on this?
Geez we love to ponder our Ducks!
FishDuck
Charles Fischer fishduck83@gmail.com
P.S. I was looking to do some instructional videos during the offseason, but my partner on the project is swamped with work. If you can work for free, and would like to get your talents and name out there on these videos-then do e-mail me. I need someone who can add the voice-over, the arrows, circles, etc. while I provide all the info. I have found a location to place these videos on the web along with an archive of my reports. (I will continue to post here as before) Some of you offered your help in the past, but alas I accidently deleted hundreds of e-mails which contained yours. Your location being in Oregon is crucial, and being in Eugene is preferable. For six years the Oregon offense has not been understood by the public and we are going to change that!
[Editor's note: Charles "Fishduck" Fischer also publishes his Fish Reports at Duck Sports Authority and Addicted to Quack. Guest commentary and fan contributions are always welcome at The Duck Stops Here, provided they are thoughtfully and tastefully written. Fishduck always has a unique and passionate perspective on Duck football.
Not sure I agree with this one, however. While Fish is absolutely right that bowl games negate Oregon's advantage in tempo, and elite teams with big, physical lines provide a special challenge to the Duck's athletic front, I don't think a team can remake itself for a bowl game. This year's recruiting class suggests another, less radical solution: Oregon is recruiting athletic linemen who also have the potential to be bigger and stronger. They'll bridge the gap and get better.
The Ducks lost to Auburn by a field goal with two seconds to play. They don't need an overhaul. They just need to do what they do a little better, be four points better in 2011. Adding a receiver corps that can stretch the field vertically, and developing a deep stable of fast running backs and capable, dual-threat quarterbacks, while continuing to build a swarming, fierce defense with depth and speed, will close the gap.
I can see Coach Kelly installing a power package to take advantage of the skills of Tra Carson and Dontae Williams and the depth at tight end and offensive line, but with due respect to the Fishduck, I can't see Coaches Greatwood and Kelly installing two separate lines. It's a long season, and hard enough to build one with suitable backups.
But FD has been exactly right before, and his commentary always educates and illuminates. Really appreciate that he's made it available here.]
So You're Saying There's a Chance
Jerrard Randall might yet wind up at Oregon, it's reported.. Rob Moseley links to a story by the Florida Sun Sentinel that quotes his coach. Randall's retaking the ACT in hopes of achieving a qualifying score and signing an Oregon letter of intent. JC players have that option under NCAA rules; his 4-year agreement would supercede the juco commitment.
Randall's highlight film shows a strong arm and plenty of athletic ability. Though he got higher recruiting ratings than the Ducks' other signee at qb this recruiting cycle, Marcus Mariota of Hawaii. Mariota looks like the more finished, polished quarterback at this point. Randall does have a strong arm and a durable body at 6-1 185. He claims 4.4 speed, running well in the highlights, able to both break away and deliver a blow when necessary.
Fans sometimes make the mistake of thinking we're set at this position or another. With a couple of scholarships left, the Ducks can't have too many fast, athletic players, especially at quarterback, where in two very recent years they had to reach down to fifth on the depth chart before the season was over. While the spread isn't any harder on quarterbacks than the I or the Pro Set, there is no waiver wire in college football. Besides, Randall probably has the football ability to play four or five positions if he doesn't make it as a qb: receiver, running back, safety, cornerback, or rover if he fills out. To pick up a kid with that kind of upside using the 24th scholarship is a good acquisition. Have to like the fact that he's 1) still fighting to make it and 2) accepting the challenge of competing against a very good group of quarterbacks. That's suggest competitiveness, and the fact that he committed early and stayed with Oregon speaks well of him.
For the 25th scholarship, barring a miracle visit by Clowney, the hope would be the Ducks would pick up a role-playing big body for insurance on the defensive line, a 280-300 pounder who might be a sleeper. No concrete news has emerged on the Clowney front, and likely won't. It turned out to be a bold headline dreamed up by a website hoping to drive traffic. Too bad.
Randall's highlight film shows a strong arm and plenty of athletic ability. Though he got higher recruiting ratings than the Ducks' other signee at qb this recruiting cycle, Marcus Mariota of Hawaii. Mariota looks like the more finished, polished quarterback at this point. Randall does have a strong arm and a durable body at 6-1 185. He claims 4.4 speed, running well in the highlights, able to both break away and deliver a blow when necessary.
Fans sometimes make the mistake of thinking we're set at this position or another. With a couple of scholarships left, the Ducks can't have too many fast, athletic players, especially at quarterback, where in two very recent years they had to reach down to fifth on the depth chart before the season was over. While the spread isn't any harder on quarterbacks than the I or the Pro Set, there is no waiver wire in college football. Besides, Randall probably has the football ability to play four or five positions if he doesn't make it as a qb: receiver, running back, safety, cornerback, or rover if he fills out. To pick up a kid with that kind of upside using the 24th scholarship is a good acquisition. Have to like the fact that he's 1) still fighting to make it and 2) accepting the challenge of competing against a very good group of quarterbacks. That's suggest competitiveness, and the fact that he committed early and stayed with Oregon speaks well of him.
For the 25th scholarship, barring a miracle visit by Clowney, the hope would be the Ducks would pick up a role-playing big body for insurance on the defensive line, a 280-300 pounder who might be a sleeper. No concrete news has emerged on the Clowney front, and likely won't. It turned out to be a bold headline dreamed up by a website hoping to drive traffic. Too bad.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Singing it out and on-key: "Ducks, Ducks, Ducks"
It was a rockets red glare moment for Duck fans, and Oregon receivers coach Scott Frost got the words to the anthem right. A post on his Facebook page gallantly streamed, "Ducks, Ducks, Ducks."
Indications are he's staying at Oregon for at least another season.
Just a few hours ago a Nebraska television station, KHAS TV of Hastings, reported that Frost will remain at Oregon after preliminary talks with Bo Pelini about joining the staff at his alma mater. Frost quarterbacked the Cornhuskers to a national championship in 1997-98, beating Peyton Manning in the 1998 Orange Bowl for the title. In all he was 25-2 as a starter, and his senior year he became the 10th player in college football history to both run (1,095 yds.) and pass (1,237 yds.) for 1,000 yards in a single season.
Frost was a high school star at Wood River High in Wood River Nebraska, starting his college career at Stanford under Bill Walsh before transferring back to Lincoln to play for the team he grew up rooting for. He and his teammates won Tom Osborne's last national championship. He went on to play six years as a safety in the NFL, part of it with Bill Parcells and the New York Jets.
Frost has worked with some of brightest and most accomplished minds in coaching, and over the weekend, he chose to stay with the NCAA's consensus Coach of the Year in Chip Kelly.
It's great news for Duck fans. At 36 the Oregon receivers coach has a tremendous future, almost certain to be a coordinator or a head coach within a few years. Offers will continue to come his way. He's a dynamite recruiter with a thorough understanding of the game.
Frost had the poise and street cred to get LeGarrette Blount off the field after The Punch. He had the coaching chops to instill a new toughness in the Oregon receiver corps, and the improvement in their downfield blocking and yards after the catch was telling last season. Just a season or two before his arrival things were much different, a group with a reputation for being a little soft and prone to drops. Not anymore. These kids visibly benefited from their position coach's leadership and savvy.
That's especially important, because Frost and the rest of the Duck staff just recruited the fastest and most talented group of wideouts in Oregon history. Sumler, Kelly, Blackmon, Lyerla and Vaughn have the speed and athletic ability to produce eye-popping numbers for the UO, and the former Nebraska quarterback is the perfect guy to guide them in their transition from touted high school stars to newcomers on a national championship contender. They'll face better athletes now, and more will be expected of them. Their press clippings won't help them succeed. They'll have to earn playing time and a spot on the travel squad, above all learning their coaches now-famous mantra, "No block, no rock."
Frost will deal out the right measures of expectation and encouragement, and get this group on track. In post-signing interviews they all expressed excitement to be working with him, and that coach/player relationship will greatly increase their chances to achieve their awesome potential.
Sooner or later, Scott Frost will move up the coaching ladder. Having him at Oregon for another championship run means the entire superlative staff returns intact, and that's a huge asset moving into spring practice.
Indications are he's staying at Oregon for at least another season.
Just a few hours ago a Nebraska television station, KHAS TV of Hastings, reported that Frost will remain at Oregon after preliminary talks with Bo Pelini about joining the staff at his alma mater. Frost quarterbacked the Cornhuskers to a national championship in 1997-98, beating Peyton Manning in the 1998 Orange Bowl for the title. In all he was 25-2 as a starter, and his senior year he became the 10th player in college football history to both run (1,095 yds.) and pass (1,237 yds.) for 1,000 yards in a single season.
Frost was a high school star at Wood River High in Wood River Nebraska, starting his college career at Stanford under Bill Walsh before transferring back to Lincoln to play for the team he grew up rooting for. He and his teammates won Tom Osborne's last national championship. He went on to play six years as a safety in the NFL, part of it with Bill Parcells and the New York Jets.
Frost has worked with some of brightest and most accomplished minds in coaching, and over the weekend, he chose to stay with the NCAA's consensus Coach of the Year in Chip Kelly.
It's great news for Duck fans. At 36 the Oregon receivers coach has a tremendous future, almost certain to be a coordinator or a head coach within a few years. Offers will continue to come his way. He's a dynamite recruiter with a thorough understanding of the game.
Frost had the poise and street cred to get LeGarrette Blount off the field after The Punch. He had the coaching chops to instill a new toughness in the Oregon receiver corps, and the improvement in their downfield blocking and yards after the catch was telling last season. Just a season or two before his arrival things were much different, a group with a reputation for being a little soft and prone to drops. Not anymore. These kids visibly benefited from their position coach's leadership and savvy.
That's especially important, because Frost and the rest of the Duck staff just recruited the fastest and most talented group of wideouts in Oregon history. Sumler, Kelly, Blackmon, Lyerla and Vaughn have the speed and athletic ability to produce eye-popping numbers for the UO, and the former Nebraska quarterback is the perfect guy to guide them in their transition from touted high school stars to newcomers on a national championship contender. They'll face better athletes now, and more will be expected of them. Their press clippings won't help them succeed. They'll have to earn playing time and a spot on the travel squad, above all learning their coaches now-famous mantra, "No block, no rock."
Frost will deal out the right measures of expectation and encouragement, and get this group on track. In post-signing interviews they all expressed excitement to be working with him, and that coach/player relationship will greatly increase their chances to achieve their awesome potential.
Sooner or later, Scott Frost will move up the coaching ladder. Having him at Oregon for another championship run means the entire superlative staff returns intact, and that's a huge asset moving into spring practice.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Thank you, University of Oregon, for giving us a place to dream
The pain of losing the national championship by a last-second field goal will never go away. The Ducks didn't play their best game, didn't have good luck in the crucial moments, and couldn't overcome a couple of breaks that went against them. It happens. Football is a game of adversity, of rising up and meeting challenges and fighting your way through difficulty.
For nearly a month now we've lived with the uneasy memory and the unwatched recording on the DVR. Some of us have immersed ourselves in recruiting or comforted ourselves with the notion that this group isn't done. Chip Kelly said "we'll be back" and it's easy to believe him. The man has delivered on every commitment he's made so far. He doesn't make predictions or promises. He makes statements. He plans and executes. And his players believe in him completely and play with all of their heart.
FowlPlay2010, one the fan contributors at Addicted to Quack, produced this highlight video which is a living testimony to everything that's special about Oregon football. Watch it and save it. It is beautifully done. In the pain of a difficult, nail-biting, bitter loss, it was easy to lose sight of all they had accomplished, and how hard they played in that game. FP's video will propel you forward as a fan, and if you watch carefully, as a person.
The willingness to believe fiercely in something can be a sustaining energy that fuels every part of you, the father, the worker, the husband.. It's a call out of mediocrity and numb inattention. Hope is a good thing, and no good thing ever dies.
Thank you to FowlPlay for a beautiful effort. We should do all of our work as well as this.
For nearly a month now we've lived with the uneasy memory and the unwatched recording on the DVR. Some of us have immersed ourselves in recruiting or comforted ourselves with the notion that this group isn't done. Chip Kelly said "we'll be back" and it's easy to believe him. The man has delivered on every commitment he's made so far. He doesn't make predictions or promises. He makes statements. He plans and executes. And his players believe in him completely and play with all of their heart.
FowlPlay2010, one the fan contributors at Addicted to Quack, produced this highlight video which is a living testimony to everything that's special about Oregon football. Watch it and save it. It is beautifully done. In the pain of a difficult, nail-biting, bitter loss, it was easy to lose sight of all they had accomplished, and how hard they played in that game. FP's video will propel you forward as a fan, and if you watch carefully, as a person.
The willingness to believe fiercely in something can be a sustaining energy that fuels every part of you, the father, the worker, the husband.. It's a call out of mediocrity and numb inattention. Hope is a good thing, and no good thing ever dies.
Thank you to FowlPlay for a beautiful effort. We should do all of our work as well as this.
Andy Mac Dishes Out Some Cogent Facts and Useful Perspective on Recruiting
Andy McNamara is no ordinary university media flack. On Friday Oregon's Assistant Director of Media Services has a careful breakdown of the Ducks' past six recruiting classes, with their rankings, how many high school and jc players, and how many eventual starters emerged from each class. The trend is steadily upward.
One significant change stands out. Oregon used to sign five to seven juco guys a year, and this year they took only two, and in 2010, three. Their depth, quality and development of athletes has grown to a place where they don't have to rely as heavily on two-year transfers to fill immediate needs. It gives the program stability.
This year's class is ranked 9th and 10th by Rivals and Scout respectively. Oregon's best class prior to this one was 2007, which produced 15 eventual starters.
No one knows if the enormous potential of the 2011 class will be realized. The verdict won't be reached for another three years. They could all turn out to be disappointments of Kevin Willhite proportions, but that's unlikely. Oregon's player evaluations are much more thorough under Chip Kelly. They talk to coaches, teachers, and janitors, and do a painstaking job of finding kids with not only athletic potential, but character and a winning attitude. The Ducks get young men who belong here and strive to fit in. They get athletes who are committed to getting better. The work ethic in the Oregon program is exceptional, and that breeds authentic confidence and genuine pride.
Oregon rose to the top of the national rankings with football recruiting classes ranked 49th and 32nd in the country. The last two were rated tenth and ninth. Chip Kelly and his staff have amped up the speed, agility and expectations, with no sacrifice of quality or integrity. And because of the stability and continuity in the program, this latest group will have the time needed to grow and develop, surrounded by outstanding examples.
One significant change stands out. Oregon used to sign five to seven juco guys a year, and this year they took only two, and in 2010, three. Their depth, quality and development of athletes has grown to a place where they don't have to rely as heavily on two-year transfers to fill immediate needs. It gives the program stability.
This year's class is ranked 9th and 10th by Rivals and Scout respectively. Oregon's best class prior to this one was 2007, which produced 15 eventual starters.
No one knows if the enormous potential of the 2011 class will be realized. The verdict won't be reached for another three years. They could all turn out to be disappointments of Kevin Willhite proportions, but that's unlikely. Oregon's player evaluations are much more thorough under Chip Kelly. They talk to coaches, teachers, and janitors, and do a painstaking job of finding kids with not only athletic potential, but character and a winning attitude. The Ducks get young men who belong here and strive to fit in. They get athletes who are committed to getting better. The work ethic in the Oregon program is exceptional, and that breeds authentic confidence and genuine pride.
Oregon rose to the top of the national rankings with football recruiting classes ranked 49th and 32nd in the country. The last two were rated tenth and ninth. Chip Kelly and his staff have amped up the speed, agility and expectations, with no sacrifice of quality or integrity. And because of the stability and continuity in the program, this latest group will have the time needed to grow and develop, surrounded by outstanding examples.
Friday, February 4, 2011
New Nuggets from Moseley: Will Clowney Visit the Ducks?
Rob Moseley's Oregon Duck football blog is at the top of my favorites list. The concern was after signing day there might not be much Duck news, but The Moze is back on the beat, armed with the news that Jadaveon Clowney might be visiting and Jerrard Randall is enrolling at Iowa Western CC.
Another piece of good news was Moseley tweeting that he'd spoken to Chip Kelly himself, and the coach confirmed jc transfer defensive tackle Isaac Remington did in fact have a redshirt year available, giving him two remaining seasons of eligibility at Oregon, and the Ducks a little more breathing room in developing long-term depth at tackle with an extra athlete in the rotation for the next two seasons.
The Ducks have done very well in the recruiting race, but enticing an athlete like Clowney to come West would break the sound barrier. 6-5, 255 and lightning quick, the South Carolina defensive end is the number one defensive prospect in the country, a player who should make an immediate impact at the college level. Here's a look at his highlight video. Clowney explodes at the snap of the ball, shedding blockers and devouring quarterbacks like a hungry lion. Dominant and unbelievably strong, he's a certain NFL star if he applies his awesome talent.
The most likely possibility is that he'll elect to stay nearer to home, either South Carolina or Florida State. But Clowney would sure look fast in blur green. It'd probably help his draft stock to star in a couple of National Championship games, wouldn't it?
Another piece of good news was Moseley tweeting that he'd spoken to Chip Kelly himself, and the coach confirmed jc transfer defensive tackle Isaac Remington did in fact have a redshirt year available, giving him two remaining seasons of eligibility at Oregon, and the Ducks a little more breathing room in developing long-term depth at tackle with an extra athlete in the rotation for the next two seasons.
The Ducks have done very well in the recruiting race, but enticing an athlete like Clowney to come West would break the sound barrier. 6-5, 255 and lightning quick, the South Carolina defensive end is the number one defensive prospect in the country, a player who should make an immediate impact at the college level. Here's a look at his highlight video. Clowney explodes at the snap of the ball, shedding blockers and devouring quarterbacks like a hungry lion. Dominant and unbelievably strong, he's a certain NFL star if he applies his awesome talent.
The most likely possibility is that he'll elect to stay nearer to home, either South Carolina or Florida State. But Clowney would sure look fast in blur green. It'd probably help his draft stock to star in a couple of National Championship games, wouldn't it?
The Oregon Ducks of the future will be formidable, versatile, mobile, fast and unstoppable
An essential part of playing to a vision is having one, and it's easy to envision stunning success for Chip Kelly and the Oregon Ducks of the coming seasons. The next phase of total team football in Eugene will be revolutionary, legendary and game-changing, and an incredible amount of fun to watch.
Imagine the possibilities a couple, three years down the road. Here a few off the top of my head:
On a cold, wet night in Berkeley, the Oregon offense is having trouble getting untracked. Cal's physical and quick defensive line is blowing up the zone read, the safeties are crowding the line of scrimmage and cutting off angles in the outside running game, and the Bear's secondary gets away with holding two or three times to frustrate the passing game. Sound familiar? Here's what happens next.
In the second quarter, the Ducks get 38 yards from Tacoi Sumler on a fly sweep. No one on the Cal defense has the speed to stay with Sumler getting a running start. No one in college football can. It's James Rodgers to the tenth power, and when the Bear defense tries to adjust, overcommitting to the fly sweep, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota fakes it and finds receiver BJ Kelly on a streak route for a 42-yard touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Ducks get two crucial first downs on third and long when Mariota breaks out of a crumbling pocket for 15 and 21-yard scrambles. The drive stalls at the Cal 36, however, and when Oregon faces a critical fourth and one, Kelly doesn't hesitate. He goes fullhouse backfield with Colt Lyerla, Dontae Williams and Tra Carson, and behind the power blocking of left side stalwarts guard Jake Fisher and tackle Andre Y, Carson bulls for five and a first down. But the Ducks aren't done. Sensing the Bear defense is gassed and overwhelmed by the sudden shift in strategy, Mariota lines them up in the power formation for five straight plays, Williams walking into the end zone behind another pile drive by Yruretagoyena and Fisher on a second down counter play from the four.
Late in the third quarter, Kelly busts out a Wildcat Formation with Devon Blackmon running option pitch plays in tandem with speedy De'Anthony Thomas. This has the Cal defense on a swivel, and they don't have an answer when Blackmon shows another triple option look and flips a shovel pass underneath to Lache Seastrunk, Seastrunk untouched for 55 yards, one cut and gone for another score.
Three times in the game Oregon gets inside the red zone, but the Bears are still stonewalling the zone read with penetration inside. It doesn't matter, because the Ducks have a huge matchup edge outside with receivers Lyerla, Kelly and Blackmon. Lyerla, 6-5, 240, 4.55 speed with a 40-inch vertical jump, is unstoppable on the fade route, and Mariota places it perfectly for a pair of easy touchdowns. When Cal tries to double over the top with a safety, Lyerla uses leverage and his powerful frame, breaking off the fade to slant inside for his third touchdown of the game and 14th of the season.
On defense, Jeff Tedford and his junior college transfer quarterback have no answer for the swarming pressure of Dion Jordan, Christian French, Anthony Wallace, Michael Clay, Cliff Harris, Terrance Mitchell, and the waves of other Duck defenders. Bo Lokombo flattens the Cal tailback on a swing pass, and Erick Dargan picks it up on the scoop and score. The Ducks repeatedly stuff the Bear running game and there's no room to pass, with a long play from scrimmage of 13 yards.
Final score: Oregon 58-Cal 3. The 8-0 Ducks move to number three in the BCS behind undefeated Georgia and Oklahoma. Asked about the fairness of the defending champions ranked behind the touted powerhouses from the SEC and Big Twelve, Kelly quickly responds, "Doesn't matter. We're not concerned about rankings. We're playing in the Super Bowl against Utah next week."
Imagine the possibilities a couple, three years down the road. Here a few off the top of my head:
On a cold, wet night in Berkeley, the Oregon offense is having trouble getting untracked. Cal's physical and quick defensive line is blowing up the zone read, the safeties are crowding the line of scrimmage and cutting off angles in the outside running game, and the Bear's secondary gets away with holding two or three times to frustrate the passing game. Sound familiar? Here's what happens next.
In the second quarter, the Ducks get 38 yards from Tacoi Sumler on a fly sweep. No one on the Cal defense has the speed to stay with Sumler getting a running start. No one in college football can. It's James Rodgers to the tenth power, and when the Bear defense tries to adjust, overcommitting to the fly sweep, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota fakes it and finds receiver BJ Kelly on a streak route for a 42-yard touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Ducks get two crucial first downs on third and long when Mariota breaks out of a crumbling pocket for 15 and 21-yard scrambles. The drive stalls at the Cal 36, however, and when Oregon faces a critical fourth and one, Kelly doesn't hesitate. He goes fullhouse backfield with Colt Lyerla, Dontae Williams and Tra Carson, and behind the power blocking of left side stalwarts guard Jake Fisher and tackle Andre Y, Carson bulls for five and a first down. But the Ducks aren't done. Sensing the Bear defense is gassed and overwhelmed by the sudden shift in strategy, Mariota lines them up in the power formation for five straight plays, Williams walking into the end zone behind another pile drive by Yruretagoyena and Fisher on a second down counter play from the four.
Late in the third quarter, Kelly busts out a Wildcat Formation with Devon Blackmon running option pitch plays in tandem with speedy De'Anthony Thomas. This has the Cal defense on a swivel, and they don't have an answer when Blackmon shows another triple option look and flips a shovel pass underneath to Lache Seastrunk, Seastrunk untouched for 55 yards, one cut and gone for another score.
Three times in the game Oregon gets inside the red zone, but the Bears are still stonewalling the zone read with penetration inside. It doesn't matter, because the Ducks have a huge matchup edge outside with receivers Lyerla, Kelly and Blackmon. Lyerla, 6-5, 240, 4.55 speed with a 40-inch vertical jump, is unstoppable on the fade route, and Mariota places it perfectly for a pair of easy touchdowns. When Cal tries to double over the top with a safety, Lyerla uses leverage and his powerful frame, breaking off the fade to slant inside for his third touchdown of the game and 14th of the season.
On defense, Jeff Tedford and his junior college transfer quarterback have no answer for the swarming pressure of Dion Jordan, Christian French, Anthony Wallace, Michael Clay, Cliff Harris, Terrance Mitchell, and the waves of other Duck defenders. Bo Lokombo flattens the Cal tailback on a swing pass, and Erick Dargan picks it up on the scoop and score. The Ducks repeatedly stuff the Bear running game and there's no room to pass, with a long play from scrimmage of 13 yards.
Final score: Oregon 58-Cal 3. The 8-0 Ducks move to number three in the BCS behind undefeated Georgia and Oklahoma. Asked about the fairness of the defending champions ranked behind the touted powerhouses from the SEC and Big Twelve, Kelly quickly responds, "Doesn't matter. We're not concerned about rankings. We're playing in the Super Bowl against Utah next week."
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Nebraska Seeking Out Scott Frost Isn't the Surprise
For now it's just a rumor, but Duck fans would hate to see Coach Frost go. He is a great sideline presence, an adept recruiter, a dynamic young coach with a bright future and a knack for connecting with players. He has NFL credentials and a personal history of winning and achievement, including the 1997 National Championship as a Nebraska quarterback.
Nebraska born and bred, Frost would be a valuable connection to the proud Cornhusker tradition of the past, the star qb on Tom Osborne's last national championship team who once threw 155 straight passes without an interception. Youthful, energetic, intelligent, and driven, the 35-year-old assistant will make a fine head coach or coordinator. The Huskers might start him on that road, and it's easy to see why they'd want him.
The real surprise here isn't that Bo Pellini would consider bringing him in, seeking to shake up his staff after a mediocre season marked by sideline tirades and a disappointing blowout loss to Washington in the Holiday bowl. Always good to shift the focus after limping to a 10-4 finish.
The surprise is that Oregon's staff has maintained such wonderful continuity over the last twenty five years. Just three head coaches, and a core of great assistants with deep roots in the program and resumes that justify their tenure. It's amazing more schools haven't looked to raid a staff that recruits and evaluates supremely well, and teaches and coaches even better. Steve Greatwood, John Neal, Scott Frost and the rest could compete anywhere and lead as well as anyone (Pellum, Campbell and Aliotti have done an equally marvelous job, but it's hard to think they'd be tempted to move on after what they've built here in all their years of service.)
One thing is certain, after the speed, talent and ability the Ducks have brought here over the last few years, it will be fun to coach in the next few. Josh Huff, Devon Blackmon, BJ Kelly, Tacoi Sumler, Rahsaan Vaughn and Colt Lyerla are quite an incentive to stay.
Have to wonder also where Oregon might look if Frost elects to leave. We'd miss him, but change and advancement are an integral part of the coaching profession, particularly for a young coach of Frost's caliber.
It's vital that the coach who takes his place adopts the "no block, no rock" philosophy that he instilled here. It's done a lot to make the Oregon offense even more dynamic, as the kids have learned that any play can be a big play if everyone executes their assignments properly. Especially when you consider the blur-worthy talents they have carrying the rock, throwing it and nabbing it downfield.
Nebraska born and bred, Frost would be a valuable connection to the proud Cornhusker tradition of the past, the star qb on Tom Osborne's last national championship team who once threw 155 straight passes without an interception. Youthful, energetic, intelligent, and driven, the 35-year-old assistant will make a fine head coach or coordinator. The Huskers might start him on that road, and it's easy to see why they'd want him.
The real surprise here isn't that Bo Pellini would consider bringing him in, seeking to shake up his staff after a mediocre season marked by sideline tirades and a disappointing blowout loss to Washington in the Holiday bowl. Always good to shift the focus after limping to a 10-4 finish.
The surprise is that Oregon's staff has maintained such wonderful continuity over the last twenty five years. Just three head coaches, and a core of great assistants with deep roots in the program and resumes that justify their tenure. It's amazing more schools haven't looked to raid a staff that recruits and evaluates supremely well, and teaches and coaches even better. Steve Greatwood, John Neal, Scott Frost and the rest could compete anywhere and lead as well as anyone (Pellum, Campbell and Aliotti have done an equally marvelous job, but it's hard to think they'd be tempted to move on after what they've built here in all their years of service.)
One thing is certain, after the speed, talent and ability the Ducks have brought here over the last few years, it will be fun to coach in the next few. Josh Huff, Devon Blackmon, BJ Kelly, Tacoi Sumler, Rahsaan Vaughn and Colt Lyerla are quite an incentive to stay.
Have to wonder also where Oregon might look if Frost elects to leave. We'd miss him, but change and advancement are an integral part of the coaching profession, particularly for a young coach of Frost's caliber.
It's vital that the coach who takes his place adopts the "no block, no rock" philosophy that he instilled here. It's done a lot to make the Oregon offense even more dynamic, as the kids have learned that any play can be a big play if everyone executes their assignments properly. Especially when you consider the blur-worthy talents they have carrying the rock, throwing it and nabbing it downfield.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Not Enough DTs? Maybe, but the Ducks now have two awesome, dazzling Thomases
De'Anthony Thomas is a Duck, announced officially in a press conference, making this the most dynamic recruiting class in Oregon history.
Staggering to think about the offensive talent Oregon will put on the field over the next three years. There's so much of it two or three of these players may wind up making their mark on defense. But just imagine Darron Thomas, Bryan Bennett, and Marcus Mariota with this variety of targets to throw to, deep threats and matchup nightmares, behind the most agile and athletic offensive line the school has ever assembled.
The star rating system simply won't be able to keep up, and Rob Mullen's future stadium expansion should probably include an extra digit on the scoreboard.
Staggering to think about the offensive talent Oregon will put on the field over the next three years. There's so much of it two or three of these players may wind up making their mark on defense. But just imagine Darron Thomas, Bryan Bennett, and Marcus Mariota with this variety of targets to throw to, deep threats and matchup nightmares, behind the most agile and athletic offensive line the school has ever assembled.
The star rating system simply won't be able to keep up, and Rob Mullen's future stadium expansion should probably include an extra digit on the scoreboard.
A Recruiting Video of a Different Kind
“Great players win games, but great people win championships”
Anthony Wallace and Marcus Mariota are honor roll students. Jared Ebert and his family participate in a program that assists handicapped people in enjoying the wonders of the Grand Canyon.
It's exciting to see the quality of young men that are coming to Eugene this fall, as athletes, as leaders, as competitors, as people.
In other football news, the NCAA announced sanctions of Lane Kiffin for failure to properly monitor the program while head coach at Tennessee.
Today he signed 30 of the nation's leading recruits. Last fall he lost to Oregon 52-31 in the Coliseum, USC's third loss to the Ducks in four years.
In the end, character matters. It matters most when no one is watching, or when someone should be. Some coaches want to take shortcuts and look for quick fixes. They'll promise and wheedle and close the deal.
Down in Eugene, they just keep winning the day.
Anthony Wallace and Marcus Mariota are honor roll students. Jared Ebert and his family participate in a program that assists handicapped people in enjoying the wonders of the Grand Canyon.
It's exciting to see the quality of young men that are coming to Eugene this fall, as athletes, as leaders, as competitors, as people.
In other football news, the NCAA announced sanctions of Lane Kiffin for failure to properly monitor the program while head coach at Tennessee.
Today he signed 30 of the nation's leading recruits. Last fall he lost to Oregon 52-31 in the Coliseum, USC's third loss to the Ducks in four years.
In the end, character matters. It matters most when no one is watching, or when someone should be. Some coaches want to take shortcuts and look for quick fixes. They'll promise and wheedle and close the deal.
Down in Eugene, they just keep winning the day.
The Defensive Tackle Debacle and Other Recruiting Hysteria
Expectations are a funny thing. The Ducks signed a class full of fast, talented athletes who are excited to play here, but there's a frenzy of misplaced hysteria on the blogs and message boards about who they didn't get. They were close or in the running on a number of athletes who wound up elsewhere, particularly Delvon Simmons, Chris Heyward, Lamar Dawson, and Marqis Lee. To add to the alarm, Heyward, Dawson and Lee all wound up at USC. De'Anthony Thomas is slated to make his announcement just after the evening news, and that one will make a major swing in the perception. It's like tacking on a late touchdown on a 76-yard run.
Anybody check the recent record of Oregon versus USC over the last four seasons? Who's won the conference two years running, and likely to be favored for a third? To read the doom-and-gloom and "fire coach Azz" on the Register-Guard football blog, you'd think the Ducks just finished a couple of seasons like Oregon State or Cal.
In a given season, there are perhaps 10 to fifteen top-flight defensive tackles in the country. There are simply not enough 6-7 high school seniors who weigh 270 lbs. or more and run the 40 in 4.9 or faster. Haloti Ngatas and Igor Olshanskys are not available every season. This recruiting class, the Ducks added a ready-to-play Jared Ebert, a four-star DT from Iowa Western JC, and very significantly, they retained freshman Ricky Heimuli, 6-4, 318. Heimuli, who considered going on his Mormon mission, has a year in the program and appeared in all 13 games last season.
By retaining one and acquiring the other, the Ducks achieved more impact than if they had succeeded in signing Byers, Simmons or Heyward. These two are 1) ready to play and 2) want to be here. Heimuli has adjusted to the Oregon practice routine and learned the system. He'll be motivated by the opportunity to compete for a starting role. Ebert is a solid, athletic 285, preparing to attend spring practice. Wade Keliikipi, 6-2 289, and Taylor Hart 6 6 262 will be redshirt sophomores this fall. Both made the rotation this last season and contributed. Each has the frame and desire to get stronger and expand their role. JC transfer Isaac Remington has had a year to get acclimated and may round out the rotation.
The "fire coach Azz" salvos are the most ridiculous. First, Oregon organizes its recruiting by regions rather than positions, and the entire staff participates in the evaluation process. Azzinaro tutored Brandon Bair, a converted tight end and then defensive end, into an all-league player. Remember all those batted and deflected passes the defensive line had all year? That's technique, taught by a master position coach. His four frontline tackles will all improve significantly in 2011, and so will the entire defense. They've add even more speed and more athletic ability, and some stars of the future with freakish potential.
The real proof of a recruiting class is three years down the road, but there is a lot to like in this one. The Ducks got solid football players and hard workers. They recruited playmakers, including the fleetest, most talented set of wide receivers in school history. WR Devon Blackmon was talented enough to play five positions in high school, including quarterback. Tacoi Sumler is perhaps the fastest recruit in the nation, electronically timed in the 40 at 4.24. 6-5 Colt Lyerla has a 40-inch vertical leap and can take two steps and jump on top of 62-inch high table. Offensive lineman Jake Fisher was a major last minute addition, and should obliterate any suggestion that the coaching staff "failed to close." Coach Kelly said he was athletic enough to play tight end in high school, a kid sought after by Michigan, Michigan State and Florida. The Duck coaching staff picked the kids Oregon needed and wanted. The future of the program is more than safe.
They addressed all their areas of need with this class, wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line and linebacker. They've brought in five gifted wide receivers and five athletic offensive linemen. There is plenty of reason to be excited about Colt Lyerla, Anthony Wallace, Devon Blackmon, Andre Y, Christian French, and Marcus Mariota. In three years we'll know, but there will be major contributors that emerge from these 23. As we've gotten to see a little of their video and read something of their stories, we see how well they fit the Oregon philosophy and the Oregon program.
It doesn't matter who signed elsewhere. These guys are the new Ducks. Chip summed it succinctly as he always does:
“Great players win games, but great people win championships”
Oregon has signed great players who are great people, and the pride fans feel in this team and this university can only grow.
Anybody check the recent record of Oregon versus USC over the last four seasons? Who's won the conference two years running, and likely to be favored for a third? To read the doom-and-gloom and "fire coach Azz" on the Register-Guard football blog, you'd think the Ducks just finished a couple of seasons like Oregon State or Cal.
In a given season, there are perhaps 10 to fifteen top-flight defensive tackles in the country. There are simply not enough 6-7 high school seniors who weigh 270 lbs. or more and run the 40 in 4.9 or faster. Haloti Ngatas and Igor Olshanskys are not available every season. This recruiting class, the Ducks added a ready-to-play Jared Ebert, a four-star DT from Iowa Western JC, and very significantly, they retained freshman Ricky Heimuli, 6-4, 318. Heimuli, who considered going on his Mormon mission, has a year in the program and appeared in all 13 games last season.
By retaining one and acquiring the other, the Ducks achieved more impact than if they had succeeded in signing Byers, Simmons or Heyward. These two are 1) ready to play and 2) want to be here. Heimuli has adjusted to the Oregon practice routine and learned the system. He'll be motivated by the opportunity to compete for a starting role. Ebert is a solid, athletic 285, preparing to attend spring practice. Wade Keliikipi, 6-2 289, and Taylor Hart 6 6 262 will be redshirt sophomores this fall. Both made the rotation this last season and contributed. Each has the frame and desire to get stronger and expand their role. JC transfer Isaac Remington has had a year to get acclimated and may round out the rotation.
The "fire coach Azz" salvos are the most ridiculous. First, Oregon organizes its recruiting by regions rather than positions, and the entire staff participates in the evaluation process. Azzinaro tutored Brandon Bair, a converted tight end and then defensive end, into an all-league player. Remember all those batted and deflected passes the defensive line had all year? That's technique, taught by a master position coach. His four frontline tackles will all improve significantly in 2011, and so will the entire defense. They've add even more speed and more athletic ability, and some stars of the future with freakish potential.
The real proof of a recruiting class is three years down the road, but there is a lot to like in this one. The Ducks got solid football players and hard workers. They recruited playmakers, including the fleetest, most talented set of wide receivers in school history. WR Devon Blackmon was talented enough to play five positions in high school, including quarterback. Tacoi Sumler is perhaps the fastest recruit in the nation, electronically timed in the 40 at 4.24. 6-5 Colt Lyerla has a 40-inch vertical leap and can take two steps and jump on top of 62-inch high table. Offensive lineman Jake Fisher was a major last minute addition, and should obliterate any suggestion that the coaching staff "failed to close." Coach Kelly said he was athletic enough to play tight end in high school, a kid sought after by Michigan, Michigan State and Florida. The Duck coaching staff picked the kids Oregon needed and wanted. The future of the program is more than safe.
They addressed all their areas of need with this class, wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line and linebacker. They've brought in five gifted wide receivers and five athletic offensive linemen. There is plenty of reason to be excited about Colt Lyerla, Anthony Wallace, Devon Blackmon, Andre Y, Christian French, and Marcus Mariota. In three years we'll know, but there will be major contributors that emerge from these 23. As we've gotten to see a little of their video and read something of their stories, we see how well they fit the Oregon philosophy and the Oregon program.
It doesn't matter who signed elsewhere. These guys are the new Ducks. Chip summed it succinctly as he always does:
“Great players win games, but great people win championships”
Oregon has signed great players who are great people, and the pride fans feel in this team and this university can only grow.
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