Receiving Corps Thinning, Opportunities Rising

Joel Gunderson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

When the news arrived Friday that Dwayne Stanford, the lanky, 6’5″ true sophomore receiver, was going under the knife to fix a potentially serious knee injury, panic began to spread amongst the Oregon faithful.  With Mark Helfrich now leading the charge, it’s expected that the Ducks could be looking to the air more this season, which will require the receivers to …

Spring’s awakening breathes new life into program

Joel Gunderson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With the turn of another calendar month, we have finally, mercifully, reached April, which brings about the beginning of spring ball in Eugene. New coach.  New hope.  New beginnings. With Mark Helfrich at the helm for the first time in his career, Scott Frost getting his much deserved attempt at running an offense, and Marcus Mariota taking over the leader …

From Hardwood To Hard Hits, Armstead’s Development Continues

Joel Gunderson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

As the final seconds of Oregon’s Sweet 16 loss to Louisville ticked off the clock Friday night, one member of the Ducks squad knew that while the basketball season may have come to an end, the real work was about to begin. Arik Armstead gets no rest.  Back in Eugene, football is in the air once again, and the big …

Singler Legacy Getting A Wonderful Sendoff

Joel Gunderson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

For the better part of the last four years, Oregon senior E.J. Singler has been toiling around the University of Oregon program, steadily going about his business as if he were working a boring 9-5 job.  The last remaining holdover from the Ernie Kent-era, Singler has quietly put together one of the best careers in Duck history, and continues to be …

Stars — Injured Or Not — Shine On Oregon’s Pro Day

Joel Gunderson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The stars were out in full display on Thursday at the Mo Center for Oregon’s Pro Day, both on the field and off.  In the annual showcase for NFL scouts, Oregon seniors set out one last time in an attempt to woo them.  Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who owns the number one overall pick in April’s draft, …

Tourneys Loom As Oregon Stumbles

Joel Gunderson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With Saturday’s loss at Utah, Oregon is officially backing into the PAC-12 tournament, riding a two-game losing streak, and facing a mounting list of questions about where this team stands. With a regular season conference title staring them right in the eye, Oregon laid down in the face of a challenge, falling to a lowly Utes team that is headed home …

Mental lift from Artis return is the key

Joel Gunderson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The stats were not overwhelming, and they may not be for the rest of the year.  Six points in 12 minutes won’t blow your hair back . However, the return of freshman point guard Dominic Artis did do one thing for the Oregon Duck basketball team Thursday night, and that one thing may be the key to post-season success: He …

What’s a fan to do when the NCAA comes after you?

Joel Gunderson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It’s been nearly two years since initial word of an NCAA investigation over the Oregon program came to light, and since then most of the major players involved have flown the coop.  Lache Seastrunk, the running back out of Texas, is enjoying his successes at Baylor.  Willie Lyles, the man responsible for the investigation, has been relatively quiet.  Chip Kelly, …

Dog Days of Off-Season Gives Time For Reflection

Joel Gunderson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

As the days drag endlessly by, awaiting the arrival of spring ball, the time for reflection has arrived for Oregon football fans.  Gone to Philadelphia is Charles Kelly, the man most often credited with taking the Ducks to the next level in the eyes of college football pundits.  He left a blistering 46-7 record, three straight conference championships and a brazen, we-can’t-be-beaten attitude.  That …

Texas-Sized Mess Shows Oregon’s Charm

Joel Gunderson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With word leaking out this week about some extra-curricular activities going on with Major Applewhite, Texas Longhorns co-offensive coordinator, perspective was brought to order concerning the Oregon coaching staff. If you haven’t heard, Major Applewhite, a former quarterback for the Longhorns, admitted to having a one-night stand with a staff member a few seasons ago.  He was given a pay …

Late Game Falter Shows Ducks’ Inexperience

Joel Gunderson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

For roughly 35 minutes on Saturday, Oregon seemed to be in position to earn a split in the dreaded Bay Area Trek, a trip that has been so haunting in past seasons. Unfortunately, the five wayward minutes were too much to overcome. For Dana Altman’s squad, the line between victory and defeat is smaller than most.  A team littered with …