Oregon QB Recruiting Strategy: ALWAYS Go Portal?

[FishDuck Article]

The changes in college football has left us behind what the coaches are thinking and doing, and often as fans we are catching up to the new ways of thinking in the Portal/NIL era. It has been gradual, but over the last two seasons my opinion about quarterback recruiting and roster management has changed due to what the Ducks have ...

 

Oregon QB Recruiting Strategy: ALWAYS Go Portal? | FishDuck

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The changes in college football has left us behind what the coaches are thinking and doing, and often as fans we are catching up to the new ways of thinking in…

 

[Grandpa Duck]

Oregon developed Van Brocklin, Berry, Musgrave, Joey, Marcus, Herbert and some others I cannot recall.  Nix and Gabriel were not great in their early games as Ducks.  Both benefited from great OC training and play calling.

 

Moore came through the portal.  I think he could be as good as any of the above.

 

[Charles Fischer]

Why would the coaches NOT go with a portal QB with much experience than Dante Moore this year?  I believe it could revolve around one of three reasons..

 

1) Our coaches have seen what Moore and Novosad can do in practice, and have a belief about them performing nearly as well as a portal QB.

 

2) The class of portal QBs out there is not as strong as in the past.  There is no obvious Bo Nix or Dillon Gabriel available, thus what we have is not much different than what is available?

 

3) Promises were made to Dante Moore when recruited to sit on the bench for a year, and then take over without a portal QB to contend with?

 

Keep in mind that not all the portal players have materialized yet, and won't until their season is over.  Interesting to watch for later...

 

Dante Moore

 

[Charles Fischer]

On 12/18/2024 at 3:10 AM, Grandpa Duck said:

Oregon developed Van Brocklin, Berry, Musgrave, Joey, Marcus, Herbert and some others I cannot recall.  Nix and Gabriel were not great in their early games as Ducks.  Both benefited from great OC training and play calling.

 

Moore came through the portal.  I think he could be as good as any of the above.

Right, but great QBs get that way by trial-and-error, and losing games in the process.

 

As the article asked..."would Oregon have gone 13-0 with either Moore or Novosad as QB this year?"  No.  Too many clutch 4th down plays were made by an experienced QB that an inexperienced QB would not have made yet, IMHO. Sure we could have gone 10-2 and made the Playoff, but 13-0 came from a savvy QB.

 

Austin Novosad

 

[Haywarduck]

I would say the key discussion was about the backup qb's and having somebody ready to take over midseason. One of the reasons we lost to tosu in the past was they had a guy ready to take over. The BIG blue blood programs also have had guys on the bench who probably could have led the team better if they had stuck with them, or realized what they had. This may have been to their detriment.

 

If Joe Burrows, or Tom Brady were on the bench would we, should we look to pick up a portal guy, just because we have had success with it recently. I think we need to develop and allow guys to play if they come to Oregon. I think we can embrace the future while respecting our past as a place that creates great qb's, even if there is a little rough going.

 

It is almost like we are becoming a program that hires proven coaches instead of realizing we develop and hire guys with passion, talent, and the spark needed to win. That works, but we have to remember our roots and the fact that a stable, strong program is built from the bottom up. 

 

We have proven we can take a transfer qb and make him better than he was, that is great. We can't lose the reputation we are also a program that can pick guys, develop guys and give them chances. 

 

I think the only way we stay elite is if we are a program of meritocracy from within. That can include bringing in transfers, but we can't forget we can pick them, develop them and make a qb Heisman caliber. 

 

I trust the coaches see the talent better than we do. I also believe maybe some of those 4th downs don't happen if another qb is behind the center, with plays only that new qb can make. It would create a completely different dynamic, one that can be just as successful in bringing in transfers throughout the positions, making plays, and maybe even winning it all.

 

You raise some great points and make a strong argument for the future. I just think we need to respect our past, while embracing the future in order to win it the Oregon way!

 

 

[Smith72]

I agree with you Haywarduck,  "meritocracy from within..."

 

I believe Coach Lanning when he says recruit all the best players you can and let them sort out who is the starter in practices.  The cream will rise to the top!

 

Look at what happened with all the edge rushers Oregon had last spring.  Some were saying why so many edge rushers.  Our best rusher missed several games, but Oregon was able to continue winning.

 

I trust Lanning and his staff!

 

 

[30Duck]

I treasure and respect the past of Oregon football as much as anyone, but that is the past. One thing Oregon is known for now is innovation, doing things a new way. Chip changed the way the game is played, isn't that right, Nick Saban? If a coach is really good, he'll get offered jobs. But if they look down, they'll see the grass is really green here.

 

Dillingham took a gamble, and it paid off, but Stein jumped in and has done a great job. Coaching staffs aren't going to stay intact for20-30 years anymore.

 

 To Portal or not to Portal?

 

We can't say it won't work, with the success of Nix and Gabriel.  But having a revolving QBs probably isn't sustainable, Nix and Gabriel were perfect fits. The Ducks are still recruiting high level QB's. Lanning and the staff will make it work. Oregon has a stocked QB room, high level recruits set for the future; the Portal will be there.

 

 

[jrw]

Charles, your strategy assumes that there will be, year after year, a top-notch QB in the portal. There aren't many excellent quarterbacks to begin with, and far fewer enter the portal every year. Coach 'em up? Maybe, but I don't think it's a viable plan on a regular basis.

[Haywarduck]

I will add Dilly came in with a weak qb room and knew Nix. Without a strong qb you have to go after a transfer. Dilly did the same thing at ASU.

 

Stein came in with Nix and recruited Novosad, Moore and Moga. All of these guys were either not ready, or not here yet. The question going forward is do we have an OC who can pick and develop qb's again?

 

I think you either have an OC who can pick and develop qb's or you don't. If we don't then the portal will continue to be the direction we go.

 

I tend to think we have picked some pretty capable guys, and they will be able to take over after two years of grooming. The problem will be if we have two guys ready, one will transfer, not a bad problem. We may even have an NFL type qb transfer, no problem, as long as we play an elite qb too.

 

I see going forward we have guys internally being brought up and occasionally a guy coming in from the outside wanting to take a chance on beating out the guys working their way up. I actually think it is going to get harder for the transfers to win the job, they may still come. Why not with the success Nix and DG had?

 

I just don't think the question of always transferring in a qb is valid coming out of the Mariø era. He didn't pick them, didn't develop them, actually destroyed them, and the qb dynamic at Oregon was dysfunctional, at best. 

 

I see the QB room at Oregon back where it use to be, if not better, Moga might even be our guy! I look forward to seeing how it plays out, but I just don't think transfers are the longterm answer, at least not in a healthy program, IMHO.

[Jon Sousa]

anOSU beat us in the Natty with their third string QB. His first start was in the B1G championship game, his second start was in the first round of the playoffs, and this third start was against the Ducks in the Natty, which he won.

 

We need two good backups at QB if we are going to make a run at it. I think we have two now behind DG. Will Moga be ready to back up DM and Novosad next year? Will a true freshman be that 3rd guy? We don't know.

 

I have no problem with bringing in a portal QB, as long as it is a true competition and the guys that are already here know that they have a legitimate shot at the starting job. Will a portal QB portal out the second he realizes he isn't getting the starting job???

 

One thing I do know, that you cannot count on a first round draft QB to come available in the portal every year.

[David Marsh]

Is Dante Moore truly a portal quarterback? 

 

Technically yes... but the reality is that he came in to sit for a year, just like many prep recruits, and we recruited him as a prep recruit but he went to UCLA for his first year. 

 

I think our QB room has stabilized since the Herbert era. There should be enough talent there that we don't need to go to the portal to grab a new quarterback. But if we do, the Lanning will get it done. 

 

Quarterback is by far the HARDEST position to evaluate from a high school recruit. Ty Thompson is the case and point. 

[kirklandduck]

Recruiting for QB is highly situational and sensitive.  The current transfer QB crop looked pretty stark until John Mateer hit the portal yesterday, he'd be the only one I'd consider for OBD if DL and WS don't think Moore and co. aren't up to snuff yet.  That being said, my preference is to give the guys in development pipeline a chance at some point.  I'd like to see what Moore and Novasad can do on the field in significant playing time though I understand that when you're at such a high level of success the pressure to stay there is immense.

[The Kamikaze Kid]

I think this topic scratches the surface of an over arching topic. Is recruiting itself about to change?

 

The college football landscape is in a state of complete overhaul but an obvious change in direction seems to be emerging.

 

It seems like high level recruits would be best served by going to low level teams straight from high school, get early playing time, build a portfolio then shop themselves to playoff caliber teams.

 

I think the days of five star guys waiting for their turn are over. Especially with the real threat of being passed by an incoming portal guy.

 

I can see rolling the dice on some three star diamonds in the rough and portaling in plug and play four and five stars as the blue print for the future.

 

This could also help lower level teams like Boise State stay relevant by playing a bunch of high level one and done freshman.

This direction seems inevitable to me but what do I know?

[DuckFan93]

I agree with Mr Fishduck.  In the end of day, CFB is all about winning nowadays.   We have to do whatever it takes to keep winning. 

 

The question always is "Is there a portal QB that's much better than what we already got in-house?"   Not sure that answer is a resounding yes this year, yet.  Should someone like Quinn Ewer jump into the portal, it will become much more interesting.   Tough balance for the DL to strike, that's for sure.

[Jon Joseph]

Thank you, Charles.

 

Nothing can replace Experience, certainly not Potential. 

 

I wholly agree with Charles. So long as the conductor can put the new pieces of the orchestra together. Dan Lanning and friends to date have been the Arthur Fiedler of the  OBD Pops. A mix of the old and the new has popped opponents in the mouth. But choose wisely.

 

Norvell had the tune down in 2023, only to fall flat in 2024. The Portal King is more like the 3rd Prince-in-waiting. When I hear that a Bear could be on the prowl in Eugene, I shudder. 

 

The Ohio State money to date has gone down an O-line injury pipeline. However, this does not excuse Day for throwing Kyle McCord under the bus and bringing in a QB no better suited to win than McCord. McCord is a glaring example of a coach failing to coach a guy up and instead bringing in a portal replacement to cover the coach's behind.

 

The Howard for McCord switch was the first indication that something was rotten in Columbus. If he had stayed at K State, Howard would not have been the starting QB. Day did not have McCord's back.

 

McCord played far better in Ann Arbor vs. Michigan in 2023 than Howard played vs. Michigan in Columbus in 2024. McCord had one awful game at Pitt but otherwise outplayed Howard in 2024 including coming back from a 21-point deficit to Miami and Cam Ward.

 

In Dan We Trust. In The Team, Dan and We Trust. Take the team-oriented experienced vet over the rookie all day long. No position is tougher to project and predict. Take the team-oriented player who has proved it between the lines. 

 

Mateer?

[Charles Fischer]

On 12/18/2024 at 11:16 AM, The Kamikaze Kid said:

I think this topic scratches the surface of an over arching topic. Is recruiting itself about to change?

Thank you, because this is also the topic that is crucial.  When people write about our tradition of developing QBs in the past....I roll my eyes.  That "past" did not have the portal or NIL, and you have to adjust and change.  To me there are two inescapable conclusions that most gloss over:

 

***An experienced QB can take a decent team to a championship. A so-so QB can hold a great team down, as we've seen with QB injuries destroying seasons at Oregon.  There is NO substitute for experience at QB, as games have to be lost in the learning process.

 

***Most of this forum moaned that "NIL and the Portal are the END of college football, and Oregon will be buried."  Remember all those posts?  Yet the second item of supreme importance that I did not see coming was the expertise by Dan Lanning to manage the portal and recruiting like few others.  Oregon has been one of the biggest beneficiary from the changes!

 

And QB recruiting is Exhibit A; who has done better in the portal for QB recruiting in the last two cycles than Oregon with Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel?  Why would you change that?

 

 

[Lono]

If we stay in house they better be ready as first game next year is Montana State and they are no cup cake!

[GeotechDuck]

On 12/18/2024 at 10:36 AM, David Marsh said:

Quarterback is by far the HARDEST position to evaluate from a high school recruit. Ty Thompson is the case and point. 

100% agree.

 

If you look at the Top 20 rated Oregon QB recruits of all time, half of them didn't play much and/or ended up leaving.  That list includes: Johnny Durocher, Jeff Lockie, Cody Kempt, Terry Wilson, Braxton Burmeister,  Morgan Mahalak, Jake Rodrigues, Tyler Shough, Ty Thompson, and Travis Jonson. 

 

Even with blue chip QB prospects, you essentially have a 50/50 shot that it is going to work out.    

Edited Wednesday at 09:52 PM by GeotechDuck

[Jon Sousa]

On 12/18/2024 at 11:16 AM, The Kamikaze Kid said:

It seems like high level recruits would be best served by going to low level teams straight from high school, get early playing time, build a portfolio then shop themselves to playoff caliber teams.

 

I think the days of five star guys waiting for their turn are over. Especially with the real threat of being passed by an incoming portal guy.

What changes the dynamic a bit is NIL. Low level teams can't pay as much as upper level. 

How much is Arch Manning being paid to not start the last 2 years? In his limited play time, he looks very good. His first year out of HS, he was the 3rd string QB at Texas.

[1Funduck]

Such is the game of CFB. It ebbs and flows for Natty runs. Ask Georgia, Ohio St, Michigan, or Clemson. To reach the game is under 10%. Now, look at the CFB playoffs this year. Penn St and Ohio St. have a very good QB's but not great ones. But both defenses have been really good and been the difference. Now look at Oregon, a very good offense that has taken the entire year to become the juggernaut it is at the moment. But that defense has been a project as well from the beginning of the year. Continuity is enormous!! Experience is huge! 

 

My take is that the 2025 QB is going to have the best chance in development you will have for some time. The defense is much more important next year for said QB development. Then its 3 more years for Moore to find his footing and it all comes together huge in 2026. So, this year Portal isn't essential for next year's success. Would still take a QB and make everyone work for it. But, put your NIL money into the defense. It's been the difference in our run this year. We've never had one like this, and believe it or not, the defense can get even better.

[OregonDucks]

On 12/18/2024 at 6:49 AM, Charles Fischer said:

Why would the coaches NOT go with a portal QB with much experience than Dante Moore this year?  I believe it could revolve around one of three reasons..

 

1) Our coaches have seen what Moore and Novosad can do in practice, and have a belief about them performing nearly as well as a portal QB.

 

2) The class of portal QBs out there is not as strong as in the past.  There is no obvious Bo Nix or Dillon Gabriel available, thus what we have is not much different than what is available?

 

3) Promises were made to Dante Moore when recruited to sit on the bench for a year, and then take over without a portal QB to contend with?

 

Keep in mind that not all the portal players have materialized yet, and won't until their season is over.  Interesting to watch for later...

 

Dante Moore

 

I agree with #1. 
 

On # 2, we may see better QBs enter in the next transfer portal window, after the bowls/playoffs. When did DG enter the portal?

 

On #3, I don’t think the coaches would be able to stick to that promise, if they didn’t believe the QBs were ready to lead Oregon to a B1G Championship and the playoffs next season. They owe the rest of the team to put the best players on the field to win football games, and that includes the QB. Plus, Coach Lanning doesn’t seem like the type to make promises, other than the promise that the player will have a chance to compete to earn playing time.  

[Solar]

Let's not forget the Vernon Adams, and Cam Wards of the world that nobody knows about at a bottom dweller G4 or FCS school that can light it up.

 

While high school to college seems to be crapshoot, low level college giant slayers translate very well to high level programs.

 

And Bo wasn't exactly the hottest transfer QB when we picked him up.

 

There are some excellent non high profile options every year.

 

I'm pretty sure Dan is looking. Whether he actually ends up getting an experienced difference maker is TBD.

[criticalduck]

Here's my BOLD prediction: Moore will thrive next year, Smith Jr. and Sagapolutele will redshirt. Sagapolutele will take the QB1 spot in year 2 and Austin and Jake will transfer out. Sagapolutele will be OBD 2nd Heisman.

 

...And OBD will win 2 out of the next 3 National Championships.

Edited Thursday at 01:08 AM by criticalduck

[AllOregon]

I do feel a top notch portal QB has to always be part of the strategy, along with HS recruiting.

But also only if there is a match.

 

Currently, not much in portal.  Was not over the moon for Mateer and he followed his O coach to Sooners today.

 

Maybe after bowls and player interest.

 

[Charles Fischer]

On 12/18/2024 at 3:15 PM, Solar said:

And Bo wasn't exactly the hottest transfer QB when we picked him up.

I never could understand the doubters!  (Tongue-in-Cheek)

 

Bo Nix’s Picks: Can You Live With Them? | FishDuck

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Right now Oregon fans are almost swooning in a classic “honeymoon” phase with new head coach Dan Lanning before any games are played. To a degree…

 

[Grandpa Duck]

Did Bo Nix win the National Championship?  I forget.  Oh, that’s right, he lost to the puppies three times.

 

Was DG Natty ready on day one?  Oh yeah, he threw five picks and nearly lost to Idaho and Boise State.

 

Dilly coached up Nix, and Stein is still coaching up DG.  Our staff can and is doing the same with the QB’s we have.

[Charles Fischer]

I’ve noticed that you always argue for the status quo, whether we are talking about the playoffs, or even recruiting strategy. Sometimes the status quo needs to be blown up based upon current circumstances.

 

Experienced quarterbacks will take to that coaching and perform better than inexperienced quarterbacks will. It is not even a debate, as anyone who has watched Oregon football over a long time can verify.

 

Our coaches are good, but inexperienced quarterbacks, lose games,  You never answered the question, “would we have gone 13-0 with Dante Moore this year?”

 

Of course not.

 

[Haywarduck]

One should state 'always', with great caution.

 

You asked who has done better than Oregon in the portal and the answer was the dawgs. I don't like that answer, but they beat us repeatedly with their portal qb. They then went on to the title game and we didn't.

 

For the whole season Georgia and Michigan won the National titles most recently with high school recruited qb's they had move up the roster as recruits, not portal guys. Georgia's qb was a local kid walk-on, the Michigan guy an elite recruit who the program stuck with.

 

So while we should be happy with our portal guys, we shouldn't be blind to just how successful we were, nor naïve to how other programs have won what we are trying to win. 

 

We won't always do anything, and we shouldn't look at the portal like many did with the internet. The internet will destroy all businesses and it is time to shut all brick and mortar businesses. The internet has become a nice part of our economy, but we still need and use the local businesses that provide exactly what we need sometimes. I say recruiting qb's is much like this, we will still find what we need, sometimes sitting on our bench close to home.

 

For now we can agree to disagree, and watch as the future plays out.

 

[Haywarduck]

On 12/19/2024 at 2:07 AM, Charles Fischer said:

I’ve noticed that you always argue for the status quo, whether we are talking about the playoffs, or even recruiting strategy. Sometimes the status quo needs to be blown up based upon current circumstances.

 

Experienced quarterbacks will take to that coaching and perform better than inexperienced quarterbacks will. It is not even a debate, as anyone who has watched Oregon football over a long time can verify.

 

Our coaches are good, but inexperienced quarterbacks, lose games,  You never answered the question, “would we have gone 13-0 with Dante Moore this year?”

 

Of course not.

 

As far as your question, we will never know, but Dante may have lost a game or more, won them all, and maybe have led us to a national title. I would agree he probably wouldn't do as well if he was on the bench for a year, watching and building relationships. He is further along with that process now, so he may be ready, we will see. 

 

The largest part of the equation is the whole team, and as many have argued the most important part of that is the culture. I would argue a large part of culture is the guys already on the team. They know what Lanning expects, and how he does things. This is what we were missing early in the season, and fortunately it grew as the season went along.

 

My bet is if we have more starters who have been with the program, especially at qb, we don't see that learning curve. That would give the transfer on the bench or the recruit an advantage. This is another reason the Oregon recruit will undoubtedly  lead the way in the future!

[Charles Fischer]

The discussion was about portal quarterbacks, because again there is nothing as valuable as experience at that position. But look at our current starting lineup at all positions?  It is stunning how many of the starters are portal transfers that were brought in over the past two years. It is because of this portal recruiting that Oregon is currently number one in the nation.

 

I have been fascinated with some of what has been written, considering that my points are not based on hyperbole, but on what Oregon has actually done. And next season, we will have over half the starting lineup come from the portal as well…

 

Reality is hard for people to accept, but it is very evident looking at Oregon‘s current team.

I will say it right now; if Oregon starts Dante Moore this fall, we will lose at least one game that we would not have with a more experienced quarterback. It actually is a pretty easy bet…

 

[NYDuck]

2025 College Football Transfer Portal

 

Check out these names. There is no DG8 or anything remotely close currently out there.

 

Colandrea, Murphy and Mendoza have experience, but i do not see staff bringing them in over Moore and Austin. Pribula is a good athlete but really doubt that happens.

 

Natty this year and let Moore, Austin and Jaren battle it out.

[Mike West]

On 12/18/2024 at 3:15 PM, Solar said:

Let's not forget the Vernon Adams, and Cam Wards of the world that nobody knows about at a bottom dweller G4 or FCS school that can light it up.

 

While high school to college seems to be crapshoot, low level college giant slayers translate very well to high level programs.

 

And Bo wasn't exactly the hottest transfer QB when we picked him up.

 

There are some excellent non high profile options every year.

 

I'm pretty sure Dan is looking. Whether he actually ends up getting an experienced difference maker is TBD.

Bo had the essentials.  He came from a very flawed team, with a average Receivers and a porous OL.

 

Gabriel was already a money QB.  He had a similar situation at Norman.  

 

From what I've seen, there isn't a QB in the country as good as those two.  Tulane's QB is very solid.  The guy at WSU is more effective running than passing, though he is an effective QB.  

 

There is concern that Dante Moore is suspect.  He had an up and down year at UCLA.  I believe he is more like Jalen Daniels than a bust.  Daniels was horrible at ASU, then lit it up at LSU.

 

I also believe OBD have three QBs close to Nix and Gabriel in talent level.  Not to mean at least one of the freshmen will probably develop.  So, what I'm effectively saying is I'm good with who we have.

 

Everybody knows by now I don't feel the need to go 13-0.  I want the Natty(s).  Going 10-2 with the three we have doesn't bother me a bit because I believe all three will end up money QBs.  As in more than clutch enough when the time comes (playoffs). 

 

Mr. Jon Joseph also brought up a very good point.  Ryan Day and that awesome Buckeye fan base drove QB McCord out of town, especially after he had performed beyond the standard.  Ohio State lost to Michigan in 2023 because an OL blew his assignment. 

 

Jon also pointed out what Day's decision truly indicates about tOSU: they can stack the talent, but that fan base is going to ruin their team. (Day has really been hexed with poor performances at the worst time).  

 

Will Howard has underperformed in two key games.  He also performed well in the other two that mattered.  In my arrogant hack opinion, Kansas State would be in the playoffs had their bonehead coach allowed Howard to stay so he had an option to replace his very underperforming Howard replacement. 

 

Same with Oklahoma.  If both of those QBs were as excellent as advertised, Gabriel and Howard would have ridden pine in 2023.  

 

That long winded having been said, I believe it depends on the situation.  I wouldn't take Ewers from Texas.  He's too inconsistent.  Furthermore, I really don't see a QB in next year's rotation that is clearly so dominant that the title is already in the bag.  

 

Looking forward, I believe scouting the hell out of these high school QBs matters now.  They are getting developed more than ever before, so I want to see consistent NFL caliber decision making, and NFL caliber set and release capability (being able to get rid of the ball like we've seen from both Nix and Gabriel in other words).  

 

I don't have to see it from a high four star or a five star for that matter.  Lanning gets these kids to camp often.  What I look for is how fast they adapt to coaching and APPLY it moving forward consistently.  

 

I have watched Akili Smith Jr often the past nine months.  He gets it in 7on7, but he isn't consistent in games.  A lot of these kids rely too much on their talent rather than on technique.  Smith is excellent when he applies the principles necessary.  But he gets complacent.  

 

Natural ability is enough.  No matter how many plays you make in practice or in high school.  So obviously, I'm not paying two million for a wunderkind that dominates kids.

 

In closing, what I saw from this year's Spring Game convinced me we are fine.  By the way, Ohio State's Cardell was second string in their 2014 Spring Game, so he was miscast.  tOSU just had a hell of a set of QBs that year.  Same for Joe Burrow.  It was clearly evident in his Ohio State Spring Game that he was a "dog".  

 

That's what I see in OBD QB room.  Playmakers.  I don't believe we need another Portal QB.  Let these guys go through their hard knocks.  They are going to be difference makers.  

 

We should shore up our defense (as mentioned astutely in this thread).  Defense still wins championships.  Even if you have a blistering high octane offense.  Those offenses always eventually run into a defense or perfect storm that shuts them down. 

[Jon Joseph]

On 12/18/2024 at 6:15 PM, Solar said:

Let's not forget the Vernon Adams, and Cam Wards of the world that nobody knows about at a bottom dweller G4 or FCS school that can light it up.

 

While high school to college seems to be crapshoot, low level college giant slayers translate very well to high level programs.

 

And Bo wasn't exactly the hottest transfer QB when we picked him up.

 

There are some excellent non high profile options every year.

 

I'm pretty sure Dan is looking. Whether he actually ends up getting an experienced difference maker is TBD.

Solar, let the sunshine in on Vernon Adams but Cam Ward was in a bidding war and signed for seven figures. Ward first announced he was going pro, Gabe was on board so Oregon never got involved with Ward who in 2023 lit the Ducks up. 

 

Ward had the Canes in the PO if Miami had an even half-decent defense. He put up enough points to defeat Syracuse. 

 

Ward is a perfect example of an experienced QB I'd take over starting Moore or Novostad. Even Cristobal couldn't screw this guy up. 

 

It's not just the quarterback position. Without the transfers Dan and Division Street brought in, Oregon would not be the B1G champion. No Burch, Chadwell, or Harmon on the D line? A D backfield made up only of recruits? No Tez to spark the O. Good luck.

 

Roster management is the name of today's CFB game. The transfers Dan signed this season will be instrumental next season, and more transfers are on the way.  This is Today's CFB Paradigm; a time when any player can transfer for any or no reason. 

 

We did not win a title with Nix because UW had a transfer QB who was just as good as Bo with a better WR group. And, Dan was growing on the job. We would have won one or two titles with a homegrown QB. I did not see that guy on the roster in 2022 and 2023. 

 

Look at the roster. The roster speaks for itself in support of Charles' argument. I don't understand the pushback because CFB will be a roster management-driven sport until the players and 'management' can collectively bargain. 

 

 

[Charles Fischer]

On 12/19/2024 at 8:20 AM, NYDuck said:

Check out these names. There is no DG8 or anything remotely close currently out there.

Right. See Post No. 3 in this thread...as I give three reasons why Oregon may not be acquiring a portal QB, and your observation is already covered within it.

 

My point is that when a Nix or Gabriel is available...we should grab him, IMHO.

 

[Charles Fischer]

On 12/19/2024 at 8:34 AM, Mike West said:

From what I've seen, there isn't a QB in the country as good as those two. 

Right.  See post above please.

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Mike West: "I don't believe we need another Portal QB.  Let these guys go through their hard knocks."

 

And deliberately lose games?  Again...if another Nix or Gabriel is available--you will win more games with them.  It is a new world in CFB, and Oregon is in a unique position to capitalize.

 

Do we have the guts to dominate as other teams have in the past for a few years?

 

Our coaches have shifted their thinking and strategies to match the current environment; will the fans make the adjustment as well?

 

[Just Ducky]

 I can’t help but wonder how Bill Belichik will adapt to the new college recruiting and portal world with NIL and unlimited free agency. I could be wrong but I just don’t see it working for him.

 

 In my opinion it is much tougher to coach in college than the NFL. It’s a full time fob with little rest definitely a young man’s game.

[Charles Fischer]

On 12/19/2024 at 11:33 AM, Just Ducky said:

In my opinion it is much tougher to coach in college than the NFL.

CFB coaching has become unbelievably complex in just the last five years.

 

[30Duck]

On 12/19/2024 at 10:56 AM, Charles Fischer said:

 

Do we have the guts to dominate as other teams have in the past for a few years?

 

Our coaches have shifted their thinking and strategies to match the current environment; will the fans make the adjustment as well?

 

 

This is completely where I am. One of the reasons I want Tennessee to beat osu2 is because the thought of them beating OBD in the Playoffs, would take some of the shine off OBD's dominant season, and then having osu2 go on to win the Natty is more than I'm ready to deal with.

 

As for next year, I'll accept that going undefeated again isn't the floor. It's hard to do that. What would make it easier is having a talented, experienced quarterback.

 

No way am I going to advocate that Oregon sit back, let the QB, or any other player(s) get their footing, while games are lost. Recruiting is vital, but Oregon and Georgia both are heavy in the Portal and just got the top recruiting classes. If a player doesn't want to commit to Oregon or Georgia, the Ducks and Dawgs will be fine; the recruiting pipeline will continue to flow. Recruiting, the Portal, are open to every team, the teams that on top of their game will reap the benefits.

 

Lanning has mixed recruiting/portaling as well as it can be done. There are some coaches that don't have '27 prospects, most teams that are in the upper level with Oregon have '26 covered, but I doubt seriously that any team has it all covered as well as Oregon does.

 

The old "Oregon Way" of coaching, developing players needs to step aside for the new "Oregon Way"

 

 

 

 

[spartan2785]

It really is too early for Oregon to have gained a reputation, but I think it's dangerous to start to become the team that is known to never develop QB talent.  It'll become difficult over time if high school QBs know you won't have an actual opportunity to win the job due to the team always bringing other QBs in on big NIL deals.  I'm not saying you don't bring in portal QBs, but you have to give these other guys a chance.  

 

Personally I don't think there is a QB out there right now that I would say we should give a bunch of money to instead of allowing Moore or Novastad the chance to stake their claim.  Just depends on the market and the QBs you have in the program.  Sometimes it will make sense, other times it won't. 

 

Pretty much exactly like the NFL, you adjust to the market and what you already have on the roster.  

[QuackyQuack]

A lot of really good points here and excellent dialogue. Here's my take: 

 

I truly believe Dante is going to be THE DUDE next year. He has sat back and learned a ton over the last two years. At UCLA he gained valuable game experience that showed him he has the tools, but also that there is still much to learn. This year he took a year to be a true student of the game. He shadowed DG as closely as he possibly could and learned what it takes to be a true professional.

 

One factor that hasn't been highlighted enough is the intensity of Oregon's practices. Every player who's been under DL’s coaching has mentioned how tough the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday practices are, and how they make Saturdays feel like a breeze. Dante has been going head-to-head in practice with one of the top defenses in the country day in and day out. That alone is invaluable experience.

 

A few people have mentioned you can't risk having an unexperienced QB in there with the chance of losing a game, but that is the furthest from the truth. Who cares if the Ducks drop a game or potentially even two games during the season? This is no longer a time where a single loss will derail your season. It is ok to drop a game as long as you learn from it. With the current playoff format the Ducks would be in their 3rd consecutive year making the playoffs, even with those losses. 

 

 

[Charles Fischer]

On 12/19/2024 at 4:10 PM, QuackyQuack said:

Who cares if the Ducks drop a game or potentially even two games during the season?

For this year, and next year?  That could actually give us a better seed! 

 

Like Penn State!

 

[Mike West]

On 12/19/2024 at 10:56 AM, Charles Fischer said:

Right.  See post above please.

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Mike West: "I don't believe we need another Portal QB.  Let these guys go through their hard knocks."

 

And deliberately lose games?  Again...if another Nix or Gabriel is available--you will win more games with them.  It is a new world in CFB, and Oregon is in a unique position to capitalize.

 

Do we have the guts to dominate as other teams have in the past for a few years?

 

Our coaches have shifted their thinking and strategies to match the current environment; will the fans make the adjustment as well?

 

Well, that requires a DG or BN caliber QB.  Cam Ward?  Not sure he's as good, but he certainly made a ton of plays this year.

 

I've already stated I believe Ward will struggle in the NFL.  Don't have specifics, this is more a feel thing.  He absolutely won't get the same kind of time he did even at WSU.  

 

That's what I'm talking about here.  I do believe we have that kind of QB in our room again, I believe all three have that decision making and technical skills level).  I seen enough from this spring to State all three QBs will make plays if and when they play (for OBD or not).

 

Again, 13-0 doesn't matter if you lose in the playoffs.  10-2 matters if you take the crown.  It's what you do with those losses that matter.  That's what makes Ohio State so dangerous.  And now that Penn State will certainly gain confidence with the way their QB made plays under duress (unlike his past), they're dangerous as well.

 

In fact I believe Indiana has a real good chance at upsetting ND because their QB is making plenty of plays as well. 

 

The only time going undefeated matters is if you make the playoffs.  

 

To address your point however, I'd like to see anybody out there point to any 2024 QB that has made the kinds of plays Bo or Dillian have made.  I just haven't seen anyone close to those level of performances.  I have seen the right stuff out of our group though.  Kind of that Joe Burrow thing ( (I thought would excel at LSU his first hear- but when he broke out- it confirmed everything I saw his Spring in Columbus). 

 

Pull the trigger when you see the right playmakers and their intangibles (which both DG and Nix had.  Nix was questioned despite showing what he had his very first collegiate game- against OBD at that).  

 

So, let's define who those guys are in CFB now. 

[Charles Fischer]

On 12/20/2024 at 3:05 AM, Mike West said:

So, let's define who those guys are in CFB now. 

As I told another poster earlier in this thread....see post No. 3 in this thread where I give the reasons why we may not be looking at a portal QB this year, and your observation was already covered.

 

[OregonDucks]

The coaches could also be thinking beyond just next season with the QB.
 

If we lose a game or two next year but the QB continues to learn and improve over the course of the season, it might be worth it over the longer term, as I believe that either backup QB would have another 2 years of eligibility remaining, after next season. That could really set up Oregon for a run over the next 2-3 seasons!

[EagleScoutJim]

On 12/18/2024 at 3:10 AM, Grandpa Duck said:

Oregon developed Van Brocklin, Berry, Musgrave, Joey, Marcus, Herbert and some others I cannot recall.  Nix and Gabriel were not great in their early games as Ducks.  Both benefited from great OC training and play calling.

 

Moore came through the portal.  I think he could be as good as any of the above.

 

Let us not forget Dan Fouts…