Mariota Outscores Winston on Wonderlic

Caleb Couturie FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

As the ongoing debate about which QB, Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston, should be taken first in the NFL draft rages on, experts are noting that Mariota is making a stronger and stronger case to overtake Winston. The initial sentiments toward Mariota were that he was a system QB who would crumble in the NFL once he had to operate outside …

Welcome Back, Tyler Johnstone

Ashley Young FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Imagine you are eight years old and you finally get permission to play football. You have been fantasizing over throwing touchdowns like Peyton Manning, or running over defenses like Jerome Bettis. Now is your chance. The first day you show up to Pop Warner camp, the coach looks down at you and sends you off to the linemen coach. At …

Recruiting Update: Oregon Raiding Deep in Enemy Territory.

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting News/Visits Now in the heart of the spring season, Oregon’s focus is two-fold, seeing an influx of visitors to Eugene. On the field, linebacker depth is slowly beginning to mature. One person not slowing down at any pace, however, is position coach Erik Chinander as the second year headman is pushing hard to fill his stable of players for the …

Charles Nelson Finding His Comfort Zone on Defense

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Ashley Young of FishDuck.com caught up with Charles Nelson yesterday at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex following football spring practice. Nelson’s transition to the defense lit a spark of conversation about the capabilities of the overall Ducks’ defense forecasted for 2015. An incredible athlete that made his presence felt downfield on offense and special teams last year, Nelson is now learning how to break …

Oregon 2016 Recruiting: UPDATE

Jonathan Cervantes FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Bryce Youngquist This past week Bryce Youngquist, a 4-star inside linebacker from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., [Ed. note: The school of former Duck Patrick Chung, now of the New England Patriots, attended. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Chung ]  narrowed his decision on where he plans to play his college ball, down to 10 schools. Among the Ducks being a part of the top 10, Youngquist has also received offers …

Focus for the Front Seven

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Spring practice is nearly halfway over, which means that it’s pretty much almost football season again. And with the season approaching with each passing day, the Oregon football team is preparing to defend its Pac-12 title and possibly make another run at a College Football Playoff berth. But in order to accomplish such lofty goals, a team must not only …

Success Comes From the O-Line

Jason Selby FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It’s time for people to start attributing the success of the Ducks to the big guys on the offensive line. Last year, all of the success that Marcus Mariota had was due to the protection his offensive line was giving him. With a new quarterback to replace Mariota, and a running back tandem that rivals the best in the country, the offensive line …

2015 Could be the Best Ducks Defense in Years

Caleb Couturie FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Last year Oregon’s defense was characterized by a bend not break mentality, allowing a ton of yards but keeping their opponent out of the end zone. It worked, evident by their 13-2 record, but it wasn’t perfect. After the departure of six starters on defense, Oregon is now in a peculiar position. To some, 2015 might seem like a scary …

Helfrich with Spring Update: Lockie, Freeman, Physical Football

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Jordan Ingram reporting for FishDuck.com from Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore. The Oregon Ducks are midway through spring practices and just a few weeks away from their 2015 Spring Game on May 2nd. This morning, Oregon Head Coach Mark Helfrich provided FishDuck.com with a spring practice progress report on Jeff Lockie, Royce Freeman, and playing more physical football. 1. Physical Football Since the first …

Ron Jaworski Praises Marcus Mariota

Austin Willhoft FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

To many sports fan, the most intriguing move that former Duck QB Marcus Mariota made was that he announced he wouldn’t be attending the 2015 NFL Draft in Chicago, Ill. Instead, he’ll be in Hawaii surrounded by his family and friends. For Oregon fans or individuals who are close to Mariota, we know that he’s a reserved and private type of …

What Will Thomas Tyner Have to Bring to the Table in 2015?

Ben Salaman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Ducks will have a backfield that is loaded with talent for the upcoming 2015 season. Along with Thomas Tyner, the Ducks will  have Byron Marshall, Royce Freeman, and the 5-star freshman Taj Griffin taking handoffs from the backfield. Throughout the 2014 season the Ducks ran a two-back system, giving both Tyner and Freeman touches. Marshall also got a few touches …