NJDuck Moderator No. 1 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Spring football practice is scheduled for today. I am starting this thread early so that posters may start dropping items in as they occur. There are 15 spring practices scheduled this season. Each practice will have it's own thread on OBDF and all articles in that thread will only pertain to that particular practice. This should help in keeping information organized and make it easier for our readers to navigate. FYI, in the article below you will see the dates for the practices scheduled. Be sure to check in later today as practice articles, interviews, and updates start coming in. Oregon Football: Dates set for Ducks spring practice schedule DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM The dates have been set for Oregon’s spring practice schedule. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJDuck Author Moderator No. 2 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Spring Ball Takeaways: Ducks get in some final work before Saturday's spring game For the final time before the annual spring game on Saturday, media members were able to watch as the Oregon Ducks practiced and put some last touches on the scheme in a lead up to Saturday. We largely saw what we’ve seen all spring, with a few notable players absent, and a few notable players returning to the field after missing practices in the past weeks. The Ducks once again went through stretches, special teams work, and a midline tackling drill that pitted linebackers against running backs, and defensive backs against receivers. Here are some of the most notable takeaways that we got on Tuesday: Oregon Football: Ducks put final touches on before spring game DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM A few notable players missing, while a pair of important defenders returned to the field for the Ducks on Tuesday. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJDuck Author Moderator No. 3 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Oregon Football Spring Camp Updates: Practice 12 The final week of spring ball is underway with the team holding its first of two practices prior to Saturday's spring game. The team was back outside on the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex practice turfs and in full pads for their penultimate warm up before this weekend. The day brought the return of four players who had missed the last workout open to media. Defensive linemen Mase Funa and Jake Shipley (wearing trainers in place of cleats) made returns along with linebacker Harrison Taggart and defensive back Khamari Terrell. Oregon Football Spring Camp Updates: Practice 12 247SPORTS.COM Oregon's 12th practice of the spring took place on Tuesday, check here for updates Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJDuck Author Moderator No. 4 Share Posted April 25, 2023 WARM SUNNY DAY EXPECTED ON SATURDAY FOR ALL THE FUN FILLED ACTIVITIES FEATURING THE AWAITED SPRING GAME! SPRING GAME HEADLINES FUN-FILLED SATURDAY FOR OREGON ATHLETICS Must read article to see all the activities/events happening. Schedule of Events – Saturday, April 29 10:30 a.m. Autzen Stadium East parking lot opens 11:00 a.m. Oregon Soccer vs. Portland at Papé Field 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Pregame Fan Fest 11:00 a.m. Fan shuttles to Autzen begin running from Valley River Center 12:00 p.m. Autzen Stadium gates open 1:00 p.m. Oregon Football Spring Game begins Following Spring Game Postgame Fan Fest in HDC Plaza 3:00 p.m. Oregon Baseball vs. Arizona State at PK Park Spring Game Headlines Fun-Filled Saturday For Oregon Athletics - University of Oregon Athletics GODUCKS.COM The annual Oregon football spring game is set for this Saturday, April 29, at 1 p.m. at Autzen Stadium. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJDuck Author Moderator No. 5 Share Posted April 25, 2023 12 candidates to have breakout performances at Ducks' spring game Spring football games are a fun time for both casual and serious fans of college football. For casual Oregon Duck fans, it offers a chance to get back out to Autzen Stadium and watch the beautiful game of football once again on what is likely to be a sunny afternoon in Eugene. For serious football fans, it offers the first opportunity to really get a good look at what the Ducks — and in particular the new Ducks — will look like going into the new season. That’s what we want to talk about today. Oregon Football: 12 candidates to break out at Ducks’ spring game DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM Who is going to leave the spring game as a household name for the Ducks? We’ve got a few candidates… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 6 Share Posted April 25, 2023 On 4/25/2023 at 3:09 PM, NJDuck said: SPRING GAME HEADLINES FUN-FILLED SATURDAY FOR OREGON ATHLETICS Must read article to see all the activities/events happening. Wow! I have never been to a Duck Spring Game but is there more on the menu this year than other years? It just seems like it's a packed day of activities! Or is this the norm? GO DUCKS! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 7 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Everything HC Dan Lanning said after spring practice No. 12 Video and Transcript are included in this article. Everything HC Dan Lanning said after spring practice No. 12 247SPORTS.COM Read below for a full transcript of Dan Lanning's press conference following spring practice No. 12 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJDuck Author Moderator No. 8 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Notable quotes from Dan Lanning as Ducks look ahead to spring game Oregon Football: Notable quotes from Dan Lanning ahead of spring game DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM “I think there’s value in seeing how guys perform, you know, on stage when there’s a setting that’s a little bit different.” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJDuck Author Moderator No. 9 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Joe Lorig discusses special teams improvement, and Oregon's increased presence at the nickel When Joe Lorig came to Oregon as the special teams’ coordinator a year ago, there was a lot to improve upon. He wasn’t shy about the need for the Ducks to improve quickly, either, saying that they needed close to a complete overhaul of the unit. Unfortunately, the team was not able to see much improvement in Lorig’s first year at the helm. They ranked near the bottom of the nation in nearly all special teams’ statistics, and still have a lot to improve upon going forward. On Tuesday, media members got the first chance to talk to Lorig this season, and we discussed how the Ducks can get better, and how the defense is shaping up with some new faces in the secondary. Here are some of the most notable quotes from that media session: Oregon Football: Joe Lorig talks special teams improvement for Ducks DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM Joe Lorig discussed the need to improve on special teams, and how UO’s nickel spot is shaping up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 10 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Due to technical issues I cannot post tweets like I normally do. There was a postgame interview done with Special Teams Coach Joe Lorig today. To view it, please click here to access YouTube. Everything ST coordinator Joe Lorig said after spring practice No. 12 - Transcript You can also choose to read a transcript of his interview in the article below... Everything ST coordinator Joe Lorig said after spring practice No. 12 247SPORTS.COM Here's a complete transcript from special teams coach Joe Lorig and his Tuesday afternoon media availability Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJDuck Author Moderator No. 11 Share Posted April 25, 2023 WATCH: Khyree Jackson opens up on decision to transfer to Oregon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJDuck Author Moderator No. 12 Share Posted April 25, 2023 WATCH: Noah Whittington excited for year two at Oregon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJDuck Author Moderator No. 13 Share Posted April 25, 2023 WATCH: Dan Lanning gives a preview of Oregon's Annual Spring Game Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 14 Share Posted April 25, 2023 'He's a spitting image of Coach Meat;' Cole Martin is part of the family at Oregon The idea of a coach’s son in the world of sports growing up was not uncommon in the slightest. Quite often, the head coach of a team would typically have one of their kids on the roster, moving through the different levels of youth sports as their kid grows up. Typically, there may tend to be a hint of nepotism involved, with the coach’s kid often playing quarterback, pitcher, or point guard. When you get to the college level, though, the idea of a coach’s kid becomes far rarer. Almost never do you hear about the coach of a team having his son on the roster. This year in Eugene, we’ve been treated to those dynamics playing out with the Oregon Ducks between cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin and his son, defensive back Cole Martin. Obviously, Oregon players are particularly familiar with the eldest Martin in the program. But getting to know his son has been a treat, and often a source of entertainment in the meeting room. “It’s actually crazy because like, young Cole is a spitting image of Coach Meat,” cornerback Dontae Manning said on Saturday. “Like the aggression, the anger, the hype-ness. And it’s crazy like it’s literally his twin in a meeting room.” Oregon Football: Demetrice Martin enjoys chance to coach his son at UO DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM “It’s funny at times when they butt heads because it’s like ‘okay this the same person talking to himself.’” Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 15 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Dan Lanning Urges Fans to Join Recruiting Effort Ahead of Oregon's Spring Game Oregon's coaching staff hopes to leverage weather and an electric Autzen atmosphere in their efforts to recruit top high school talent. With Oregon's spring football game set for Saturday, head coach Dan Lanning spoke with the media one final time on Tuesday before fans get their first glimpse of what's in store for the 2023 season. Lanning stressed the importance of a good showing from the crowd during the spring game, referencing how it will impact the Ducks’ ability to recruit. “Everybody here at Oregon needs to realize that they have an impact,” Lanning said on the involvement of fans. “We’re gonna have great players here on campus, but they [the fans] have an impact for what the experience looks like. They can help create that experience from a fan standpoint, from an administrative standpoint, from our staff standpoint. Making that experience really unique and special for the guys that we have here on campus.” Click here to read more about Coach Lanning's comments in Ducks Digest. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 16 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 18 Share Posted April 26, 2023 Photos from Oregon's 12th day of spring football practice Photos from Oregon's 12th day of spring football practice 247SPORTS.COM Below is a collection of a few dozen images snapped from DuckTerritory's Jason Fairchild from Tuesday's spring practice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 19 Share Posted April 26, 2023 FOOTBALL PRACTICE REPORT: APRIL 25 The Oregon football team was in full pads for practice Tuesday, and won't be again until Saturday's Spring Game. So there was no reason to hold back on the hitting Tuesday, and the Ducks sure didn't. Linemen battled in the trenches, safeties came up and whacked running backs, and running backs lowered their pads to return the favor. They were careful not to tackle to the ground, but there was no denying the physical nature of Tuesday's practice. Come Saturday, when the Spring Game kicks off in Autzen Stadium at 1 p.m., fans hopefully will get the same impression. "I think you're gonna see a really physical team," UO coach Dan Lanning said Tuesday. "… We have been much more physical as a team this spring than I think we were last year." By the numbers, Saturday will be practice No. 14 for the Ducks this spring; between now and then is No. 13, on Thursday morning, a lighter workout leading up to the Spring Game. But Saturday isn't just another practice. The stands in Autzen will be packed, and coaches will see which players rise to the occasion. Lanning will be watching for that, and more... Football Practice Report: April 25 - University of Oregon Athletics GODUCKS.COM The Ducks began the final full week of spring drills with practice in full pads Tuesday. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 20 Share Posted April 26, 2023 Ducks may use Bucky Irving more in kick returns in 2023 Oregon's return game was lacking some sizzle last season. The Ducks ranked near the bottom of the Pac-12 leaderboard in both punt and kick returns. One of the possible fixes would see the Ducks insert star running back Bucky Irving into the fold more. Irving brought back four kicks in the bowl game for 106 yards, including a season-best 37 yard return. "I think in the bowl game, both Bucky and Noah [Whittington] showed a spark we hadn't seen during the season," Lorig said. "Looking back, maybe I should've had Bucky at kick returner more last season. We evaluate everything, certainly, and I think we have plenty of tools to be successful." There will certainly be opportunity to rectify that this fall, should Lorig choose to do so. Running backs have fielded every kick media has watched this season with Irving acting as one of those bodies. Ducks may use Bucky Irving more in kick returns in 2023 247SPORTS.COM Special teams coordinator Joe Lorig told reporters on Tuesday that he things he should've used Bucky Irving on kick returns more... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 21 Share Posted April 26, 2023 Noah Whittington feeling speedier than ever after 12 pound weight gain Noah Whittington is feeling faster this spring after gaining "about 12 pounds" to get his weight over 200 after playing at 194 a season ago. "More power. Definitely more speed. The ability to break more tackles," Whittington told reporters of how he felt this spring compared to last. Whittington finished with more than 900 yards from scrimmage last fall in his first season in Eugene. Splitting reps with breakout star Bucky Irving, the duo made up one of the more dynamic pairings on the west coast, combining to rush for 1,837, while also gaining 468 air yards and scoring 14 combined touchdowns. Last year's success has allowed Whittington to step into a bigger leadership role this spring. He's helped bring along sophomore Jordan James, as well as recently-enrolled freshmen Dante Dowdell and Jayden Limar. "You can't really lead without playing," he said. "Playing last year, the younger guys coming in and they get to see the film from last year. They know what we're talking about." Noah Whittington feeling speedier than ever after 12 pound weight gain 247SPORTS.COM Oregon running back Noah Whittington feels like he's gained some explosiveness after adding 12 pounds this offseason. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 22 Share Posted April 26, 2023 Joe Lorig seeing progress in punting and kicking games Oregon fans will be treated to their first glimpse of Australian punter Luke Dunne on Saturday afternoon. It'll also be a first for Dunne, who arrived in the United States this year without ever playing the sport before a crowd. "It'll be the first time he's played American football in that situation," special teams coordinator Joe Lorig said on Tuesday afternoon. "He's played Australian rules football in front of crowds, but it's quite different. It's the first time for him for sure. That's why it's a big advantage to get him here sooner rather than later." That isn't exactly uncommon for Australian punting prospects. This was also the case when Tom Snee arrived in 2018. Both players are products of the Pro Kick Australia program, which sends dozens of young punters to the states each year. A physically imposing player at 6-foot-5, Dunne has impressed media members with his booming punts throughout open access this spring. It's the hope of Oregon's staff that he'll help to rectify what was a miserable punting season in 2022, which saw four different specialists try a hand without much success. One of those players, Ross James, has acted as the Aussie's competitor this spring. Joe Lorig seeing progress in punting and kicking games 247SPORTS.COM Oregon special teams coordinator Joe Lorig offers his insights into both the punting and kicking competitions Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 23 Share Posted April 26, 2023 8 position battles to watch closely at Oregon Ducks' spring game One of the best parts of the annual spring game for the Oregon Ducks is the opportunity that it presents for fans to see some of the lesser-known players on the roster. While we know what to expect from guys like Bo Nix, Troy Franklin, and Brandon Dorlus, there are handfuls of players on the team that are unproven and still need to show what they are capable of. On Saturday afternoon at Oregon’s spring game, there will be a lot of young players on display. It just so happens that a lot of those young players — and new transfers — will also be competing for a starting spot on the roster as well. With as much roster turnover as we’ve seen in Eugene over the past year, there will be a lot of new starters come August. While there won’t be any depth charts set in stone after the spring game, we will get a good sense of where everyone stands going forward. Here are the top position battles that I will be watching on Saturday: Oregon Football: Position battles to watch at Ducks’ spring game DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM No starting spots will be handed out on Saturday, but we’re going to watch a number of position battles play out before us. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 24 Share Posted April 26, 2023 Patrick Herbert draws praise from Dan Lanning after stepping into larger role That whole Herbert-to-Herbert dream seems so long ago. Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert throwing to his younger brother Patrick never occurred for one reason or another. But it looks like the younger Herbert, now a junior, should get plenty of passes thrown his way in the coming months. Due to an injury to Terrance Ferguson that knocked him out of spring practice, Herbert is now No. 1 on the tight end depth chart for the spring game. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder has a chance to become the player everyone thought he would be coming out of Eugene’s Sheldon High School. Oregon Football: Patrick Herbert draws praise from Dan Lanning DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM With TE depth an issue this spring, Patrick Herbert is stepping up. Dan Lanning has taken notice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJDuck Author Moderator No. 25 Share Posted April 26, 2023 WATCH: Joe Lorig Talks Special Teams Improvement, Nickels in Spring Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennsylvania Duck Moderator No. 26 Share Posted April 26, 2023 Ducks eager for spring game showcase in Autzen Stadium According to coach Dan Lanning, Oregon has been taking spring camp just one day at a time ahead of the annual spring game this Saturday. Still, it was clear from the interviews after Tuesday’s practice that the thought of playing in front of a (hopefully) packed Autzen Stadium has crept into the minds of some players. A phrase that Lanning harped on throughout his interview after practice was “competition,” and though he noted that wants his team to play with slight caution, he said that his biggest focus is to see guys compete and treat this Saturday like any normal Saturday in-season. “Play clean. We’d like to be penalty-free pre-snap and post-snap,” Lanning said. “Ultimately, you just want to see that competition – guys go out there and treat it like a game.” Though Lanning’s emphasized that the spring game is just another part of the spring camp experience, he did admit that there is a different value to it. “I think there’s value in seeing how guys perform on a stage when there’s a setting that’s a little bit different,” Lanning said. “I think there’s definitely some value to that.” Ducks eager for spring game showcase in Autzen Stadium OREGON.RIVALS.COM Coach Dan Lanning and players talked after practice Tuesday about the anticipation for the spring game. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
