While I believe the Ducks core problems are systemic and coaching related.... I also see an enviable foundation that will allow a fast turnaround if Cristobal will simply adapt.
This foundation is what made the 2008 - 2015 Ducks so successful & dangerous. And mark my words, will be the basis for a new resurgence at the University of Oregon:::
Speed
Size
Playmaking Ability
1. Speed
Henry V, “Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,But he'll remember with advantagesWhat feats he did that day”
Perhaps you’ve forgotten. There was a time in the not so distant past, that it was accepted fact that Oregon was the fastest team on the field versus EVERY single opponent.
”then shall our names.Familiar in his mouth as household wordsHarry the king, Bedford and Exeter,Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.”
Marcus Mariota, Devon Allen, De’Anthony Thomas, LaMichael James, Bralon Addison. For years, our guys were faster and quicker than anyone on the field. That applied to our skill position players. That applied to our offensive linemen. We out-hustled and out-ran opposing teams off just about every field we competed on.
The last 5 years...not so much.
CJ Verdell, Tyler Shough, George Moore, Johnny Johnson are all fine athletes; yet none of them have blazing wheels. They seem like they’d be equally comfortable in a Wisconsin offense rather than the Oregon Blur of old.
Fair enough.
But all is not lost.
There is SPEED either on the roster now....or is coming::::
Sean Dollars, Mychal Wright, Seven McGee and Ty Thompson have wheels that will once again strike fear into our hapless PAC12 foes.
And honestly, I cant wait to see that once again.
2. Size
The Chip/Helfrich era put a premium on long, lengthy athletes. The twin towers of Defo Buckner and Arik Armstead. Kyle Long. Jake Fisher. Dwayne Stanford. Every one a matchup problem because of their combined size and athleticism.
But not to fear.
We have that right now; albeit perhaps not properly utilized yet:
Sala da Beast
Jayson Jones
Devon Williams
Spencer Webb
Adrian Jackson
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Every one of these guys is a matchup nightmare because of their combination of size and athletic ability.
I know Chip/Helfrich were master chess players when it came to finding matchup inequities and then pounding the crap out of them.
Cristobal hasn’t shown that talent yet....even though it’s just staring at him on his own roster.
3. Playmaking Ability
For me, this conversation begins and ends with DAT.
But... that said, few teams had an answer for Byron Marshall (incredibly clutch!), Kenyon Barner, Charles Nelson, Brady Breeze, Josh Huff, Ifo Ekpre Olumu.
Yet if Cristobal would simply UNLEASH what’s on his roster right now.... the Ducks would have the chance to once again be among the most DYNAMIC & EXCITING teams in college football:::
Once again - Sean Dollars and Seven McGee
DJ Johnson (every time he’s fed the ball he makes something happen)
Mychal Wright (has the chops to be the best return man in college football)
Dontae Manning (I’ve never seen a Ducks cb with as much flexibility and potential. He absolutely needs college level coaching to turn him into one of the best cornerbacks in the country. Put him out on an “island” and know he’s got it locked down.)
Noah Sewell (Led the team in tackles and was 1st team all American. Has the physical tools. But can Cristobal/Avalos/Wilson turn him into a Derrick Thomas? Noah has every measurable and intangible a football team covets. Question is - Can Cristobal turn him into a generational player like his brother?)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (see Noah Sewell)
Spencer Webb (This kid is could be a college version of Travis Kelce. Big. Strong. Exceptional route runner and hands. Yet he’s languishing on the bench.)
My point is - we’ve got the meat on the hoof.
Right now.... right now!!! .... we’ve got the players with the
Speed
Size
Playmaking Ability
on the roster...or coming into the program in 2021.
The question is::::
Does Cristobal have the ability to utilize and fully maximize these elite players?
Forget about a coherent offensive SYSTEM and HRHSP for a moment.
Does Cristobal have the ability to utilize and fully maximize these elite players?
Because THEY will be the foundation of turning this program around.
Thoughts?