This is part two of a profile of two-sport Oregon great Don Reynolds, written by John Schroeder. If you missed part one, catch up here. It’s an interesting question, if you know that back story: How does a Corvallis resident – one who was a high school teammate of current Oregon State coach Mike Riley, son of then-Oregon State assistant Bud …
Don Reynolds Didn’t Just Play Two Sports…He Dominated Them
This is a two-part series by John Schroeder based on stories from his interviews with the great Don Reynolds, two-sport star in football and baseball, who played for the Ducks from 1971-1975. Don Reynolds came to Eugene in the fall of 1971 intent on solely playing baseball. Football was initially an afterthought to the 5’8″, 178-lb Reynolds, with many coaches …
Tolman Stays Hot, But Ducks Six Game Winning Streak Snapped
The No.11 Oregon Ducks’ six game winning streak is now over. The Seattle University Redhawks defeated Oregon 3-2, concluding a two game series Wednesday evening in Bellevue, Washington, at Bannerwood Park. The Ducks had a chance to tie and possibly take the lead in the ninth. Brett Thomas stood at the plate, runners on the corners, and only one …
Tribute to Outstanding Former Duck/Native Oregonian Linebacker
Oregon has seen many renowned linebackers. Particularly in the past 20 years, many greats behind the D-line have led the team in tackles and stood out among defenders; anywhere from the “Gang Green era” to the Harrington era, all the way to the more recent Kelly era. One particular native Oregonian linebacker spent four years at Oregon before finishing his …
Are Expectations for Thomas Tyner Too High?
Along with the growing success of the Oregon football on the field over the past two decades has been increased success off field with high profile recruits attracted to Oregon. Those highly rated recruits carry increased expectations, and with increased expectations there can be a heightened sense of disappointment if one of those recruits fails to achieve potential. The latest Oregon recruit to …
Biggest Key to Akili’s Smith’s Success: Michael Klews
The Akili Smith Era was a special time at Oregon. Many fans remember Smith for his arm as well as amazing ability to scramble. Aside from Smith were also great rushers such as Reuben Droughns, Saladin McCullough who rumbled past opponents. However, such success never could have been achieved without one of the most under rated offensive line units in …
Oregon’s Uncle Phil
Everyone knows the name and the face, but few people know the man. Phillip Knight is the force that most view as being behind Oregon’s rise to national prominence. His countless efforts have put the isolated college town of Eugene, Oregon, on the map and has helped to bring in top recruits to play in a place not traditionally known as a college football powerhourse. Knight’s name …
Pro Day: From a Fan’s Point of View
For the final time, a collection of outgoing Oregon players got to show their talents at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene on Thursday. Each player has worked hard to improve his talents in the facility in their tenure at Oregon now was the time to show off those skills on their home turf in the Mo Center for NFL scouts …
Brooks Back on the Market
Former Oregon Duck star point guard Aaron Brooks is back on the market after being waived by the Sacramento Kings. Brooks and the Kings agreed to a buyout on March 1st regarding his two-year, $6.6 million contract. Had Brooks not been waived and Sacramento relocated to Seattle, Brooks would have been in store for a unique homecoming. Brooks was born …
Flashback: From Third String Benchwarmer To Star…Within Minutes
Special teams has played an important role in the past 20 years of Oregon football. Specifically, Oregon fans, players, and coaches take great pride in the kicking game. During the great era of the mid-90’s – mid-2000’s rise to fame, the Oregon Faithful saw lots of successful kickers split the uprights. One in particular saw his persistence pay off, …
Attacking is Winning, Which Oregon Plans To Continue
Attacking is winning. That is a note scribbled in the margins of what became Bill Walsh’s book Finding the Winning Edge. ESPN the Magazine recently examined the impact of that book on current football coaches. The most interesting quote from the Mark Helfrich introductory press conference was this: “We will attack in all phases. We will embrace innovation. And we …
Heaven In The Emerald Valley
Every September fans pile into the magnificent stadium that is home to the Oregon Ducks football team. Students take the mile or so walk to Autzen Stadium and get hyped up, as they enter into what some consider the loudest stadium in the nation. Autzen has come a long way, from season after season of unwatchable football, to hosting the …