Haywarduck

This kid has wheels, real 40 speed, and is a multi-sport standout. He checks all the boxes in my book, go get him Team Lanning! Two-sport athlete who shows some bounce on the basketball floor. Leading scorer as a sophomore for a Maize squad that went 23-2 and won the Kansas 5A state... 247SPORTS.COM summary

I have one vintage "Go Pre" poster which I cherish more than some of the art I have. One t-shirt, and and old sweatshirt. My dog does have a duck pillow.

Completely agree an apology could've made it all better. Kids may not want to be 'disrespected', but deep down they want to know somebody cares and they want to be taught right and wrong. I might add, they need to be taught right and wrong. Also admitting a mistake makes on real, something else kids like. I think that was one of Critobal's strengths, kids believed in him. The problems happened, and began to happen as they started not believing in him. This was going to become a bigger problem as all the broken promises start adding up. Another reason season 4-5 is where a salesman need to start showing real skill or the relationship is over.

I was just glad he didn't call a timeout to do it! These little insights into the real hamster wheel happenings inside Mari's mind were telling. The timeouts, the over the top public ass chewing, the prevent offense, we all canaries in the coal mine for what what actually happening after the sales job. Mari's is an impressive salesman, but the follow through is what makes a program sustainable. At FIU he peaked out at 4 years and then the wheels began to fall off middle of year 5. FIU fired Mario after 6 years, we got bailed out after 4 years. If Mario's act does only last about 4 years then we got very lucky. This is something which will be interesting to watch. Both Lanning and Mario are very good salesman, but which one can create a sustainable program? I think the development of players is critical, not just the occassional top NFL talent. Some players are just that talented. The real question in programs is about student athletes, and game day reaching potential? Are they exceeding expectations, along with the program? I think fans, players and assistant coaches began to see somethings which didn't line up. The wheels were about to fall off, and were beginning to actually see it. I hope Lanning is able to develop, and exceed our expectations for his and our benefit.

'If you not first, your last.' Ricky Bobby, oh real sports quotes. 'If you not first the view never changes' sled dog. And the best, “Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all time thing. You don’t win once in a while, you don’t do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.” Vince Lombardi

I do remember Petey not being too happy about Bellotti and Oregon. I suppose that was back when there was more on the line.

We just need somebody who can get them the ball, with a scheme that works, and the other receivers who can and will block. Not too hard of an ask, but a lot of moving parts. I suppose it also takes a lot of the unmeasurables which we will be able to better quantify once the games begin!

I'm sorry, but when I hear it took a sophomore a long time to make a name for himself I have to shake my head. I do agree the kid sounds like he has the intangibles to be the anti-jailblazer. I can agree this the direction I want to see the Blazers go if I am going to follow NBA basketball ever again. I also like the statement 'praise is probably worse than criticism' something to ponder. We live in an era of enabled superstars, the era of grinders and kids with chips on their shoulder seldom make it. Reading about a kid focused on working hard and grinding is refreshing, thanks for sharing.

And with the jump ball on the other side of the field we no longer are at a large disadvantage anymore either. Our safeties are up to 6' 4" and our DB's are no longer at an extreme disadvantage, hovering around 6' or more too. We are getting ready to compete with the big boys!

Sounds like the guy the Patriots drafted in the first round.

Great point, the noise created by those wooden bleachers will never be recreated, sadly! Pretty sure that noise helped drop times and increase output measurably.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but you have to see it in person to believe it. Hayward field is, possibly, the nicest venue for a sporting event bar none. Every element inside, underneath, and outside, even the warm up areas are world class. Back to football, I believe the football team will benefit with recruiting speed guys in the future with a short visit to Hayward. I love the nostalgia of the old Hayward, but it is hard to find a flaw in what was produced in replacement.

Agree, some of what Saban has said was spot on. The way he said it was, unfortunately, just the way Saban does things.

What is interesting is he wasn't a great recruiter at Creighton. Their best, most highly ranked, recruits have come more recently. He was a great evaluator, and developer of talent back then, as he is now. He is also, and has always been, an excellent game coach. Has Altman become a better recruiter, or has Oregon allowed him to recruit better? I would argue good coaches know they can recruit to Oregon. The whole Scot Frost, can't recruit to Oregon thing was complete bs! Creighton All Time Basketball Recruits 247SPORTS.COM Creighton

The latest, Saban finally heard the echo of what he said, Nick Saban apologizes for singling out Texas A&M, others in controversial NIL comments WWW.YAHOO.COM Nick Saban attempted to clear the air with Jimbo Fisher with an apology of sorts.

Still has to do commercials, makes one wonder? Coaches have no time, and are paid too much, but you see them make commercials? I would have my place on the beach where the waves are pumping, and another where the snow is always the lightest and just do the job I am passionate about.

And Dion says, 'I don't even make $1 million a year' Saban is looking like a whining fool. If the rules change and you can't hit the qb a certain way, you don't do it. The same thing when O-lineman were given different rules on use of their hands. You adjust, and adapt, unless you are Saban, then you whine first and then hire somebody to compete like everyone else. How Travis Hunter responded to Nick Saban's accusation of $1M NIL to play for Deion Sanders WWW.YAHOO.COM Jackson State football's Travis Hunter challenged Alabama coach Nick Saban's accusation of $1M payment to players.

Kiffin pipes in and keeps going, too funny. I think if the forward pass was just legalized Saban wouldn't use it, and then would complain about everyone doing it. He did the same thing on the hurry up offense. 'Why can't everyone just do what they were when I was winning everything!' Said Sobbing Saban. Lane Kiffin won't stop tweeting about Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher NIL war of words WWW.YAHOO.COM Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin spent Thursday on Twitter voicing his opinions about the ongoing war of words from Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher.

Saban kind of sounds similar to his complaints back when the hurry up started. We all know what happened after he got done whining. You think they are going to meet midfield, and shake hands after the game October 8th? You think they are going to meet midfield and shake hands after their game October 8th? Jimbo Fisher unloads on Nick Saban: 'Some people think they're God. Go dig into how God did his deal' SPORTS.YAHOO.COM Jimbo Fisher did not hold back in his defense of Texas A&M, accusing Nick Saban of having his own skeletons in his closet.

Love this scouting report, hope this is allowed. Multi-sport athlete who knows how to get open and go get the ball. Checking in at a verified 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds, this multi-sport athlete who also plays basketball and competes in track and field has excellent overall athleticism. He has more than ample length with a 78 inch wingspan and 33 inch arms. With a muscular chiseled frame he does not have any bad weight on him. Possesses very good explosiveness and speed having a 37-inch vertical and 4.58 forty time that are both verified. Good change of direction as well as the ability to get in and out of his cuts easily. Does a good job of sticking his foot in the ground and pivoting on his routes when he is dropping his weight to make his move. He has soft hands and doesn’t fight the ball, very natural in catching the ball and making a football move. Uses excellent body control when going up for 50/50 balls. He wins these contested catches the majority of the time where he is able to outjump most defenders. Nice job using his size,quick feet and power to get off the ball when he is pressed by the defensive back and keep the timing on his routes. Does a good job using his speed to stretch the field as well as showcasing rac ability after catches. More than a willing blocker who is aggressive when blocking and can stay on his feet to control the defender. Dickey is a talented player that has 3-phase ability playing on special teams as a returner, safety where he had 4 interceptions and receiver posting 1,304 yards receiving along with 19 touchdowns last year. He brings a lot of ability, skill and intangibles to the game. He looks to be a multi-year starter and all-conference performer. Athletic Background Also plays basketball and competes in track and field. Ran an 11.34 100 and a 23.01 200 as a sophomore. Also long jumped 20-6.5. Spring 2021: Played an abbreviated four-game spring season as a sophomore. Primarily played WR, but also got limited snaps on defense.

Sage advice, thanks!

I suppose I didn't answer the question, but I think success has to be measured by analyzing the process, not the outcome. I think if the qb position develops then the outcome we all desire will come to fruition. The same can be said of our coach, if he develops, establishes his head coaching abilities against the seasoned Pac-12 coaches then we should be satisfied. I would also like to see a healthy process of players staying in the lineup. When injuries arise I would like to see the player development shining, with players ready to step into starting positions. In the distant past we had the 'next player up' mentality, establish that again. Seeing some rotation on the d-line, and qb's getting quality back-up time would also seem to be a worthy goal. The special teams should also excel, especially as compared to last year. Way too many out of bounds kickoffs which should turn into unreturnable kickoffs this year. Coverage should be lights out on punts with our speed guys swarming any punt made. Extra points should be a given, and maybe even a surprising play for 2 points on a needed situation. We need to be ready for any onside kick too, last year was pathetic. All of this will lead to an even more exciting recruiting process. Players will be chomping at the bit to sign on to a young enthusiastic staff and program on the rise. Specifically I would like to see Jayden Wayne flipped, along with at least one or more of sc's commits or leans. The one metric I would like to see is our starting qb considered for the Heisman. He should definitely be mentioned as a top qb in the Pac-12 this year. We need to, again, establish Oregon as the place qb's go to excel!

Two things we don't know about are critical. How good will our qb play be? How good will our head coach match up against his competitors? The qb play is critical and we aren't winning any preseason heisman press in this area right now, maybe a good thing. If we are going to compete for the playoff birth then our qb will have to be mentioned for award winning play. The next item is how will Lanning match up against J Smith and other very good coaches in the league? These guys aren't just going to lay down because we have more talent on paper. There are going to be some new rivalries for Lanning, and how this first season goes will say a lot about where he fits in the hierarchy of Pac-12 coaches. How Lanning defines himself against the Pac-12 coaches may be the most important element to watch. Does he dominate lesser competition, pull out some stunning wins? This will be a huge question mark I want to see answered. Many say the first impression is the most important, and it will be a tough one in Atlanta. He then faces WSU and Staford, a couple team Oregon has struggled again in the past.

I think it comes down to scheme and a qb's ability to get these guys the ball. There is depth, and they will all be competing to get open. The questions will be can our O-line give the qb time to make the throws. Can the qb see the plays developing and make the throws. I have little doubt our WR's and the WR coach is going to bring more talent to the field. The other area which needs to be cleaned up, is blocking by our receivers. I didn't read much about that, but these guys need to be warriors on the blocking. Our running game and passing game becomes explosive when the receivers make their blocks, dominate their blocks.