AnotherOD

Slight correction might be: Carrington actually spent five years in college. Redshirted in 2013 then played 3 seasons at Oregon (playing in 29 games and catching 112 passes for 1919 yards and 15 TDs) before getting dismissed from the team by Taggert after (famously) getting a DUI after smashing into a pole at a McDonalds drive through at 3 am. If memory serves, it was sort of viewed as a "third strike" sort of deal, rather than getting run for one incident (however to some degree it may also have been influenced by Taggert's early calls to restore more discipline to the program after MH's departure). Carrington went on to catch 70 passes for 980 yards and 6 TDs for Utah, before signing an unrestricted FA contract with Dallas (got cut towards the end of camp and signed with the Canadian Football League -- but can find any evidence of him catching any passes up there). I think he is scheduled to play his third season of indoor football this year for the Massachusetts Pirates (but don't quote me on that one). It ended up being sort of unfortunate as the Duck offense spent most of the 2017 season a bit inexperienced at WR beyond senior Charles Nelson (relying upon three youngsters in Dillon Mitchell, Johnny Johnson lll, and Brendon Schooler).

I have wondered if the new portal rules might benefit Oregon in a way not often mentioned (at least as I have seen). Before, if a recruit loved Oregon, but it was deemed "too far away" (often for family), the old transfer rules made returning home a more difficult decision. Now, with one essentially free transfer, a recruit could try Oregon and if it doesn't "fit" can return closer to home without the same year penalty. It would seem, if a recruit LOVES Oregon, but the rest of the family isn't sure, one free transfer sort of makes letting the kid give it a shot a bit easier to decide, or no?

I can see what KD at ASU is seeing - but man does this recruit have "coach killer" written all over him? Overall? Have a positive feeling about KD and hope he gets far away from this mess as possible. I understand for a young coach it has to be tempting. I guess I may be wrong but yeah .........

One thing about the "star system" appears to be -- you best get high up into the rankings -- prior to your senior year. I'm sure somebody knows the stories here better than I do; but, didn't Herbert famously break a leg as a junior then ignored all the camps and 7-on-7s before his senior year? Didn't MM sit behind another kid who was an FBS level prospect himself until taking over as a senior? It does appear, if you aren't a top 300 kid prior to kicking off your senior season it just is not very easy to climb that deeply into the top 300 (especially if you aren't playing at Mater Dei, Westlake, Lakeland, or IMG). A great senior year is a mover; but, it likely remains a bigger mover for college coaches than ranking dudes (start as a sophomore at St. John's Bosco? You probably are top 400 and probably top 200 before your junior year, play in Oregon, or Idaho, or outside the Phoenix area in Arizona? Don't count on it - and moving and advancing 40-50 spots might not be so hard but jumping 250-300 spots? A different story). JH and MM appear to more be cases of kids not playing the camp/7-on-7 circuit (for the network rating analysis) and not getting huge attention prior to their senior year, rather than somewhat crazy recruiting stories of somebody coming from nowhere and excelling. Somebody correct that if it is in error.

A bit from Arizona Sports: "Soelle, the brother of graduating leading tackler Kyle, had 30 tackles and one pass defensed in a limited defensive role this year, mainly contributing on special teams. Dillingham has done well in acquiring talent at linebacker, putting Soelle in a difficult position to expect legitimate playing time for 2023. Krew Jackson (Kansas State), Tate Romney (BYU) and Travion Brown (Washington State) are all Tempe bound."

Didn't see this one posted, from Sports Illustrated's "2023 NFL Draft Risers and Fallers" (12/12/22): "Going into this season, Sewell was considered the top inside linebacker prospect after a 100-tackle season in 2021. Still, in retrospect, he was judged off of one season, and he never proved he deserved the high ranking. However, this year was extremely disappointing and a complete dud for him, only getting 55 tackles. Sewell only had that one big season, but he was so impressive his sophomore year that it was no surprise he garnered so much praise. It didn’t seem that Sewell improved any part of his game and maybe took a step back in some areas. He struggles to get off blocks, and opponents knew that because they attacked him in the run game, which derailed his entire season. Sewell also lacks coverage ability, and in today’s NFL, that is huge because most linebackers will be in coverage for a good amount of plays. The drop-off in his play this year was so extreme that it could be very difficult for him to get drafted. It was especially startling because Oregon was still a very talented team, so you would expect to see him pick up where he left off. If Sewell declares for this year’s draft, he will have the huge task of proving to teams that he has the will to be great and is a draftable player. "

Well, ok. I can't help but thinking about a young Patrick Johnson. Ran 10.26 and a 20.39 in a college track and field meet (he also famously beat Carl Lewis Lewis in a 100m race at the Drake Relays). As a high school senior, he led the nation at 100m and 200m for much of his senior year (wiki); and, heading into his college soph season at Oregon was the preseason NCAA favorite at 400m. He famously considered redshirting and sitting out the 1996 football season to prepare for the Olympics. I believe he had some injury trouble that sophomore year and never stepped on the track again. It doesn't change the point this kid has got serious speed; but, had to give Patrick Johnson a mention.

Checked in and it seems Texas fans aren't too upset. I kind of agree the TV guy was a bit more "handsy" than was necessary. And, if Sark was in line for a club, bar, or restaurant in his personal life I could see it -- if that is how he decides he wants to handle the situation. However as a high profile representative of a public university -- while performing his duties in public as people have said the encounter was visible from the stands (and as far as Sark new within camera's eye) -- I think a reasonable to expect coach to dial it back at least a little.

Ugh. As much as I don't want to type it. As much as I dislike typing it. I don't see how the UW isn't the Pac-12 favorite next year. I think they are waiting on one WR, otherwise returning just about everyone of significance and have already added a CB from Oklahoma State (who looks like an impact guy). Included there are their 3 edge rushers who compliment their down field passing offense very well; and, there are plenty of good/returning pieces to a very good pass blocking OL. It's early and we are going to go over this a number of times before the start of the year; but, I would be happy to hear arguments it's not the UW as a pretty clear favorite.

With his injury this season, I think Steven Jones probably returns for 2023? Prior to his injury, I think he started 22-23 straight games for Oregon; and, once he came back from his injury, started the final three. I think he must be someplace in that starting group (and I think actually consistently has graded out very well PFF-style when he has been at guard).

To the same point, I would imagine that some of the guys brought in as "CBs" may eventually fit into safety rolls (especially if you are going to basically playing three safeties all game). I can see as many as 5 safeties among the high school group.

I think that was the consensus among Oregon fans as well. However I think many Duck fans also came to the conclusion Mario may be incapable of doing so, that he is head coach and needs to have his fingerprints all over everything (maybe to the thought he really needs to be heavily involved in order to feel he really is part of the success?). If you check in on a couple of the Miami boards, it is also sort of interesting. They really were all over Mario nearly the whole season. Now, with Miami sitting at #3 in the recruiting rankings, it seems like a large portion of them are already back on board. Something about the magic of those recruiting stars.

From what little I can gather, Mario seems to have at least one, if not a few, wealthy boosters who pushed very hard to get Mario to Miami. After that first season, it appears they don't want to look bad and are willing to throw more $ at it -- rather than see it fail. Guys who have 5, 10, 15 million lying around willing to throw it into Miami football each year. Funny thing is Phil probably has 5, 10, 15 billion in his couch cushions -- I just don't think he is too crazy handing it over to 17 year old high school kids -- and I don't really blame him if that happens to be his stance. Throw some $ into the Duck collective? Sure as that is how the game is being played. $30-$40 million dollar Duck football recruiting classes? I could be completely wrong -- but I will be surprised. My guess is a decent portion of the NIL $ is being focused on key portal guys rather than being the highest bidder for top 20 high school kids. Just a hunch (and if so it seems a solid strategy).

It's kind of the rarely mention topics in recruiting rankings discussions. Oregon State and Utah win with "three stars" and yet as soon as they have a shot with higher ranked players, they chase them like everyone else. Rarely see a sign either program finds a top 250 kid who is interested who they ignore. Not to say there isn't something to finding gems who are willing to work and be developed; and, these staffs may be more willing to chase players seen as "projects" who they feel they can win with; but, Utah fans are loving their two top 170 OL commits (Fano and Lomu) and OSU is loving their two top 300 commits (QB Chiles and DL Howard).

I'm going to go ahead and throw out there I would agree with those suggesting Bo has earned the right to make the decision when he feels ready. It's gonna be before the draft; and, the portal will be open again around spring ball I believe. I am pretty sure the staff isn't without a back-up plan -- if he leaves Oregon will be a favorable QB spot that I bet somebody with upside in the portal will wait a bit for. I think I'm reading some suggestions DM not making a decision is holding things up for the Ducks; but, it doesn't have to do so. One, I think DM's decision probably has more to do with Dillingham leaving and I think that is just how the cookie crumbles. Two, if you are gonna take a huge run at top 10 national kids, this sort of thing is pretty much always on the table until LOI day (part of recruiting top kids). If DM's interest in Oregon was primarily because he felt his competition would be Ty and a walk-on, that's really outside what the staff can control (or at least I hope they aren't making starting promises to HS QBs). Bo staying for one more year was always an option and if so Oregon is still a great spot for a young QB to join this cycle. Nothing holding back a young kid coming in and getting his feet wet as a frosh and giving the coaching staff confidence they are good to go for the next several seasons. It will be interesting if DM goes elsewhere, will the staff pivot and try to see if it can get a HS commit elsewhere to delay signing early to consider Oregon (a couple sites have floated some current HS QB names). Personally, I would be a bit shocked if Oregon didn't bring in a transfer QB if Bo leaves (regardless of DM). The level of portal player might be impacted by DM's decision; but, having a QB room of Ty, a true freshman, and a walk-on to me isn't how programs aspiring to be top 10 level programs roll (even when trying to land a top 3 QB).

Very good article detailing all the many possibilities at QB for 2023. The possibly weird opinion is I expect Oregon will be fine at that spot. Backup QB? Something to watch maybe but I would be pretty shocked to not see Oregon without a guy there (it is just too good a spot for the staff to strike out everywhere). Edge players? Guys in the front 7 who can rush the passer? That is huge -- and on paper at this moment -- I think it's fair to say it is a thing that is possibly even a bigger question -- without the (same) assurance the starting spot (s) will eventually look positive moving forward. Odds (right now) Oregon on paper at least has a player at QB? I'd have to say easily 80%-90%. Odds Oregon right now has a significant presence at Edge rusher THIS season (or at least in their front 7)? Don't wanna put a number on it but I think 50/50 would be a very favorable prediction. Hope to be way off here.

On paper, right now, I'd imagine he would be the favorite to start at RT next season. My totally uneducated guess is the staff is either hard after portal RT or sees one of the JCs OL as ready to be plug and play. I would be surprised right now to see there are very many open P5 starting spots at RT than at Oregon, so DJ must (somehow) be getting the message he is not in a favorable position as at this point in his career, as I image he is looking to be at least an FBS starter, if not a FBS P5 starter. It did appear the previous staff was a bit higher on DJ than the current (and his 6.5 snaps per game average in 2022 probably supports that).

I think heading into the season there was the general idea that Georgia had "found something out" on defense and a slice of that was on its way to Oregon? I don't watch a lot of football outside of the Pac-12, at least not closely, so I didn't know much about Georgia other than they were good on defense. The question I'm left to ponder is whether Georgia actually was onto something, or if they just had so many good and well developed players they took a defense that is very hard to successful play in college football and made it look good and easy? Most teams can't play it because it requires a monster front that can totally disrupt offenses up front and allowed for ample bodies to still play coverage. Might it be both the "best" defense you can run with 11 elite defensive guys yet a really hard to pull off defense with anyone else? There is quite a lot of "not so good" defense being ran in college football today (and it seems like a bunch of "2-4-5/soft zone" based schemes out there at the same time). Also agree to the point there was a defensive adjustment to be made in the 4th quarter of the OSU game and I remember posting in late night hours after game, the only real explanation I could think of that made much sense was there was no other scheme the coaching staff felt comfortable calling. There were adjustments, but those adjustment just weren't part of the defense Oregon ever practiced or played significantly. No true 3-4, no safeties in the box, etc., nada. I have been meaning to rewatch the 4th quarter but I haven't been able to bring myself to, but it did finally seem the Duck safeties were creeping up more late in the game and I think they looked pretty lost in trying to do so (or a better way to say it might be -- not prepared to do so in a meaningful and successful manner). Got to get that rewatch in at some point, the sting still feels a bit too fresh so far.

Are we sure Lake even wants to return to college football as a DB coach? Before taking over at the UW, I believe he was the highest paid assistant in the conference, then collected at least a year's pay and then about a $10 million dollar buy-out. I imagine he is sitting comfortably and will resurface somewhere in the NFL or as a HC at a needy collage or at least a DC once time reduces a bit of the stigma associated with his leaving the UW.

I'm not really quite sure how to feel. Guy only played 178 snaps but still managed 35 tackles and 2.5 TFL. Sewell played 601 and had 56 tackles and 5.5 TFL and Bassa played 582 snaps and had 56 tackles and 3 TFL. Despite obviously not putting together a good year, guy was still productive. No real surprise here but I would say probably a net negative.

I don't know how closely the rule is followed but I don't believe "analysts" are allowed to have any coaching contact with players. My guess would be the new OC isn't expected to take up his position until after the bowl game, so filling that spot allows for the staff to not be short a coach during bowl prep.

If you follow the position coach "rigamarole", MH's name has been mentioned regularly for a fair amount of college jobs (including with Lake up at the UW); and, he has reportedly turned down everything except a brief NFL run. I am not exactly sure why there is so much suggestion MH is chomping at the bit to return to the place where he was fired? I imagine he is financially in a good place and appears to have a good gig announcing college football games 4 months out of the year. I absolutely could be wrong but I just am not seeing him running back to an OC position at Oregon. If he wanted to be an OC in college, he would already have been one. I haven't come across a clear article detailing about how MH feels about being booted from the UO; but, I could see an argument he isn't waiting by the phone for that call to resume an assistant position. As for an OC, I'd love to see an OC hire who isn't afraid to throw the ball. I know we are in the middle of a rushing the ball revival (and it is in large part a portion of the UO offensive identity); but, I think right now young players have spent a lot of time before entering FBS football learning to defend exotic rush schemes. Throwing the ball? Decent FBS QBs currently are lighting it up. Alabama, Tennessee, UW, USC, etc. A good move in the immediate 3-4 year window might be moving to take advantage?

I think it was briefly discussed in another thread? I counted the minimum number of guys entering the portal would be a minimum of 15, with 25 not being a crazy number. Turning over 20+ kids with an 85 scholarship limit is pretty crazy given what we are used to in a typical off-season. So, one random opinion here is to not be surprised. I'm more interested in where these guys go and what impact they have. It's just a guess but I think the future impact guys -- largely aren't leaving.

A not especially informed fan opinion? Keep an eye on non-west coast kids who have been around a season or two (or three) and don't have a near guaranteed path to 3/4 of snaps on either side of the ball next season. If you think you are going to sit, why do it way across the country? It is always interesting to follow. I will suggest the number of (fairly) highly rated kids who have left early without making much of a UO mark? Mostly haven't gone on to their next step and blown the doors off the thing. That said, hanging onto DJ James instead of having him go to Auburn, probably would have meaningfully helped the defense. DT Jayson Jones as well; but, you are gonna win some and lose some.

I agree that college football players get a lot of benefits. But is being taunted, cursed, and belittled by mob seconds after a game part of the deal? I would say unless players specifically agree to receive this specific sort of abuse as part of their compensation, it actually is not part of their compensation. If I agree to work as a cashier at a store, am I agreeing to be cursed, belittled, or taunted by any customer that decides to? I mean I am getting a wage right? Am I expected to stand there helplessly if the crazy comes around the counter and gets in my face? I am sure the first thought is the situations are different, but are they really that different? Both take place inside a society with expected simple rules of behavior. It goes to the right to be treated with at least a modicum of dignity by the people whom the individuals actually just performed a job, or in this case a sporting event (for their entertainment). Probably 99% of fans who rush the field understand that. I don't feel any need to apologize for the crazy 1% who make the choice to cross the line, and behave in a manner outside of what is reasonably expected. Do NBA millionaires get rushed and insulted on the court a minute after the game by drunk and surly fans? Baseball players? NFL players? They certainly are nicely compensated and abuse by an unruly mob on the field or court doesn't appear to be in their contracts. Yes fans in the stands. Not on the court or on the field. No one is suggesting the player should have resorted to violence. In terms of doing risky thing more often having consequences than not doing risky things, sure, "deciding to roll the dice".