Want to see something new about Our Beloved Ducks from the Oregon Spring Game? Yes, there have been tons of summary articles written about it, but I thought I’d share a slight adjustment I noted in the game that I had not noticed before to this degree. I had to take a break from my interesting study of Organic THCA Flower to consider what Coach A’lique Terry was putting into place on the offensive line.
Please note the videos below are quite short–25 seconds of a play in each, but they illustrate something I’ve thought about over 40 years ago when I played on the offensive line. Typically a “reach” block is when you are trying to seal the edge for an outside zone or sweep for the running back. But my philosophy was not to engage the defender, but get to the spot first that I wanted to set my block from. Lunge to the spot, turn your shoulders, set your feet and drive your legs into the defender…usually a defensive end.
Imagine my surprise to see that beginning to happen–even with the very young players in the Oregon Spring Game!
Look at where No. 85, Cade Caton begins on the line of scrimmage… (Screenshot from B1G Network Video)
I was even more surprised to see this technique from a redshirt freshman tight end in No. 85, Kade Caton who is lined up above in the screenshot (Red arrow) and is in front of the savvy junior No. 44, Teitum Tuioti on this play.
A fantastic seal block by Caton, (Red circle) and an engagement block by Kasper. (Red arrow) (Screenshot from B1G Video)
This was a successful outside play for ten yards, and it was primarily due to Caton’s block, but it was also assisted by the block of No. 3 Kyler Kasper who is the red arrow above. Do note the red circle above, and look in the video below for how Caton moved his feet quickly, turned his shoulders, and has now set up an outside running lane for the running back.
In the video above, I was astonished to see such a great “seal” to the outside by a redshirt freshman in Caton, while Kasper helps with an “engagement” block, but his defender was able to slip off the block and help make the tackle. Caton’s block sets a new wall!
A perfect running lane formed by getting to their “spot,” turning their shoulders and driving with their legs. (Screenshot from B1G Network Video)
What you see above in the screenshot is just heaven for an ol’ offensive lineman, as you see perfect walls set on both sides which creates a superb running lane. On the left with the red arrow is center No. 72 Iapani Laloulu, (Poncho) and on the right is guard No. 73 Kawika Rogers with the green arrow, and tackle No. 78 Gernorris Wilson with the yellow arrow. Let’s see how they built this wall!
An higher view of the new wall created by Poncho, (Red arrow) Gernorris Wilson, (Yellow arrow) and Kawika Rogers. (Green arrow) (Screenshot from B1G Network Video)
In the video–you will see a pulling tackle, coming into the inside “A” gap looking for defensive tackle to hit, and do watch for what you see above in a wonderful running lane created by the aforementioned three offensive linemen. The offense got ten yards running up the middle? That takes something special for that to happen against this Duck-Defense.
Note in the video above how each of them get to their spot, turn their shoulders, set their feet and drive with their legs to keep the defenders at bay for the second the running back comes zipping past, and how it creates such a wonderful running lane!
This time from the other side, and another new wall on offense. (Screenshot from B1G Network Video)
Above is a screenshot from later in the game, only the pulling tackle comes from the other side. Yet again, the offensive linemen create another superb running lane right up the middle from not the usual “engaging” blocks, but getting to their spots, turning their shoulders, setting their feet and driving with their legs. I have not witnessed this technique as often as I did in the Spring Game, and bodes well for Oregon rushing attack.
Did you notice anything new at the Spring Game? Share your thoughts at the only free, civilized Oregon message board out there, the Our Beloved Ducks forum because…
“Oh, how we love to ponder about Our Beloved Ducks!”
Charles Fischer (Mr. FishDuck)
Eugene, Oregon
Top Screenshot from B1G Network Video
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Charles Fischer has been an intense fan of the Ducks, a season ticket holder at Autzen Stadium for 38 years and has written reports on football boards for over 26 years. Known as “FishDuck” on those boards, he is acknowledged for providing intense detail in his scrimmage reports, and in his Xs and Os play analyses. He is single, has a daughter Christine, and resides in Eugene Oregon where he was a Financial Advisor for 36 years.
He now focuses full-time on Charitable Planned Giving Workshops for churches and non-profit organizations in addition to managing his two Oregon Football Websites, of FishDuck.com and the Our Beloved Ducks forum. He is a busy man!
He does not profess to be a coach or analyst, but simply a “hack” that enjoys sharing what he has learned and invites others to correct or add to this body of Oregon Football! See More…