Why Charles Nelson Should Play Defense Full Time

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

There is just something about Autzen Stadium. The friendly energy of thousands of fans in green and yellow is enough to make any Duck fan feel at home. Sure the spring game is technically the 15th and final “practice” of spring camp, but it sure felt like football season to me. Just like in any game, there was some good …

Mark Helfrich Praises Marcus Mariota on “NFL AM”

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The 2015 NFL Draft is finally here and the first round is tonight at 5 p.m. PDT on ESPN and the NFL Network. At last, Duck fans will know where Marcus Mariota will start his NFL career. Among critics, Mariota is considered the first- or second-best quarterback – depending on whom you ask — and will likely be a top-5 overall …

Former Oregon Duck Dion Jordan Suspended

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Earlier this morning former Oregon Duck, Dion Jordan, got some troublesome news. According to ESPN reports, the defensive end for the Miami Dolphins will be suspended for the entire 2015 season for violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. According to Adam Schefter, Jordan reportedly didn’t fail a test but rather submitted a diluted sample, which the NFL counts as …

Ty Griffin — Playmaker Extraordinaire

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

There is a lot for coaches and fans to focus on during spring practices, such as who will step up in the secondary, what true freshman will make an impact, and most importantly, and who will be the starting quarterback in 2015? The Ducks might have too much of a good thing at the quarterback position. Oregon has leadership experience …

Steve Greatwood: Building Depth and Continuity on Offensive Line

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Jordan Ingram interviewed Oregon Football offensive line coach Steve Greatwood yesterday for FishDuck.com at the University of Oregon’s Hatfield-Dowlin Complex. An offensive line often gets little or no credit for a football team’s success – and with a spread team that scores points in bunches, that underappreciation is even more true. But no group is more paramount to Oregon’s success than the …

Danny Mattingly — The Next Great Oregon Linebacker

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With a new season just around the corner, a new Oregon team is about to emerge. The new players are now in the swing of spring practice and the veterans are ready for one final run as Ducks. A new quarterback, offensive line, secondary, and highly-ranked incoming freshmen for various positions are a lot to take in. So here is …

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 …

Spring Practice Update: Alex Balducci Talks Technique and Leadership

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Jordan Ingram interviewed Oregon Football defensive lineman Alex Balducci yesterday for FishDuck.com at the University of Oregon Hatfield-Dowlin Complex. It’s not often that linemen make the headlines, especially for the Oregon football team. With such a potent offense, the Ducks’ defense often gets overlooked. However, many fans got to know the impact players on that side of the ball; Ifo …

Salute The Day: A Great Spring Game Tradition

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With spring football officially underway and the Oregon spring game is less than a month away, Duck fans can rejoice, football is back. Every year, fans almost fill Autzen Stadium to watch their Ducks for the first time since the season ended. The Spring Game brings a lot of good to Eugene, but one tradition stands above the rest. For the …

Tyler Johnstone Will Lead the Ducks’ Offensive Line in 2015

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Jordan Ingram interviewed Oregon Football offensive lineman Tyler Johnstone yesterday for FishDuck.com at the University of Oregon Hatfield-Dowlin Complex. Last season had its ups and downs for the offensive line. First, there were the injuries: Former Freshman all-American tackle Tyler Johnstone re-tore his ACL in August, then Andre Yruretagoyena and Jake Fisher went down in back-to-back weeks against Michigan State …

Spring Practice Begins with Change in the Offing

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

My fellow Duck fans, today Oregon begins spring practice and the 2015 season officially upon us. The Ducks will be chasing a national title once again, but the first step to another national title game appearance starts today. As spring football kicks off, there have been some minor changes to the team. First, freshman quarterback and early enrollee Travis Jonsen …

Marcus Mariota and the Nonbelievers

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

I don’t get it. Maybe I’m wrong, or maybe my football knowledge isn’t what I thought it was, but I can’t understand the constant negativity toward Marcus Mariota and his transition to the NFL. Last night I read something on Twitter so shocking to me I had to do a double take. NFL Media analyst, Daniel Jeremiah, said, “Look, just …