Oregon’s All-Underrated Team for 2015: Defense

Caleb Couturie FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Last Sunday I explained the plummeting stock that analysts have in the 2015 Ducks, particularly members of ESPN. I then went on to highlight one player from every position on offense who was being overlooked or undervalued.  Here we are one week later, and it’s time to do the same for our defense. Without further ado … OREGON’S 2015 ALL-UNDERRATED TEAM: …

Recruiting Strategy: Filling Holes in the Front Seven

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Speed is synonymous with Oregon football. The Ducks do a fantastic job in maintaining that connection by recruiting athletes who fit their fast-paced style of offense. Last year, of the top five players signed by the Ducks, all but five-star Canton Kaumatule were on the offensive side of the ball. With the stockpile of speed and explosiveness in the Ducks …

Meet the 2015 Impact Freshmen

Steven Jackson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It seems as if every year, one or two incoming freshmen burst onto the scene and emerge as key players for the Ducks by the end of each season, and in some cases even crack the starting lineup. Last year that impact freshman was running back Royce Freeman, who started his freshman campaign on fire, rushing for 2 touchdowns in …

Oregon Football Recruiting Analysis: Duck Future Looks Bright

Jason Fowler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

If Oregon Ducks football recruiting was put on that rating website, hotornot.com, its average score would be well over nine. It’s not just West-Coasters that show tons of interest in Oregon. Athletes all over the country are eyeing the likelihood of playing for Coach Mark Helfrich. The 2015 recruiting class brought in some great talent. None of the film was any …

Don Pellum Building a Dominant Ducks Defense

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

When you look at the Oregon football team what do you see? You see the uniforms and the high-speed offense; you see the flash. You don’t see what defensive coordinator Don Pellum sees; you probably don’t pay much attention to the defensive side of the ball at all. The Ducks operate a bend-but-don’t-break defensive scheme. If the offense is operating …

Fotu Leiato – Oregon’s Next Shining Star?

Jason Selby FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football is a man’s game — those with the strength and mental fortitude to compete and win each down, survive; those who do not, will die. In the case of Fotu Leiato, nobody has ever questioned his desire to finish every single play. Some people were a little put back when news broke that Mark Helfrich and staff went to a small …

Oregon Lures Away WSU Commit Moi

Dan Reukauf FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Ducks scored again Tuesday night when a report resurfaced from Juco Football Frenzy on Twitter. OLB Jonah Moi has committed to the University of Oregon instead of the Washington State Cougars! Moi was committed to WSU, but after his visit to Eugene, Moi was impressed enough to commit to Oregon instead. This 3-star recruit will make the jump from Riverside CC Football …

The Punisher: LB Fotu Leiato II Provides Spark for Linebacker Corps

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Oregon’s linebackers have continued to demonstrate that the Ducks are just as physical as the next team: lean, mean, hard hitting terminators that pace just beyond the defensive line, chasing after the ball like a gang of wild pit-bulls. But one recent Oregon commit for the 2015 class, Steilcoom high school’s Fotu Leiato II, may change the definition of what it means to be a Duck …

Oregon Football Recruiting Analysis: Closing Out the 2015 Class

Jason Fowler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With limited official visits Coach Mark Helfrich is making the most with what he’s got, but is running out of time. The Ducks may have three more commitments available for this 2015 recruiting cycle after getting two commitments in the last week.  Signing day is February 4th and that leaves little time for Coach Helfrich and staff to attempt to snag …

Recruiting Update: Get the Fax Fired Up!

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting Commitments Over the weekend, Oregon landed hard-hitting jack-of-all-trades prep Fotu Leiato (3-Star/Steilacoom, WA). Bursting onto the recruiting scene in the waning moments of the 2015 cycle, Leiato might be one of the most aggressive defensive players in the country. “I have committed to continue my education and play football at the University of Oregon,” said Leiato in a …

Oregon Lands Bruising Linebacker

Jason Selby FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

At this point in the offseason, each commit landed means less worrying for Football programs leading up to National Signing Day on February 4. Since playing in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 12, Coach Mark Helfrich and staff have been working hard to build a great incoming class of recruits. Yesterday, news broke that Oregon landed three-star inside linebacker Fotu Leiato, from Steilacoom, Washingon.  News …

Oregon Football Recruiting: Official Visits Are Getting Tight – Who Gets Them?

Jason Fowler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With about two weeks left until the national letter of intent day (NLI) or signing day on February 4th, who is not looking at the prospects and trying to figure out how to get key commitments to Oregon from players and juggle the limited official visits? Due to sanctions, Oregon lost one scholarship in each of two years (limiting the …