Scouting a Duck: What Should NFL Scouts Think of Arik Armstead?

Joe Kearns Analysis

It was April 6, 2012. The Oregon Ducks football team had finished a spring practice and defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro met with OregonLive reporter Aaron Fentress. Fentress was interested in hearing about a heralded four-star high school recruit and incoming freshman: Arik Armstead. Azzinaro quipped, “Arik who?” It did not take long for Armstead to make a name for …

Post-Surgery, Ekpre-Olomu Prepares For NFL Draft

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

When former Oregon Ducks cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu suffered a collegiate career-ending ACL injury just weeks before the postseason, Ducks fans, coaches, and teammates were heartbroken. But there was little doubt that All-American defenseman would let an injury ruin his chances to play in the NFL. Down but not out, Ekpre-Olomu continues to display the same resolve and determination that made him an unforgettable star throughout his storied career at Oregon. For weeks, …

Eagles’ Plans for Mariota Not So Far-Fetched

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The “rumors” swirling around a Marcus Mariota–Chip Kelly reunion in Philadelphia are beginning to take shape. Sources surrounding the Eagles‘ organization are sensing that a power-play to grab the coveted former Oregon Ducks‘ quarterback is very real and that the Eagles are ”determined to get their man.” Exploding 5 myths about Marcus Mariota and the Eagles http://t.co/M2wn0nVV48 — Marcus Mariota (@MariotaNews) February 27, …

The Curious Case of Bryan Bennett

Jordan Ingram Editorials

It seemed like former Oregon back-up quarterback Bryan Bennett would spend his college years on the Ducks’ sideline, concealed beneath the shadows of a monster legacy. So, when Bennett transferred to Southeastern Louisiana for the 2013 FCS football season, most Duck fans thought it was probably the best move for the aspiring young quarterback. After all, the Ducks had Marcus Mariota. For Oregon, the rest is history. But what happened …

Is Oregon’s 2015 NFL Draft Class the Best in School History?

Joey Holland History

When college football fans tune in to the games every Saturday, there is one team that is always easy to spot. Whether it is because of the shiny, colorful nature of the uniforms or the overwhelming speed of the team, the Oregon Ducks cannot be mistaken for anyone else. The distinct nature of Oregon football is not always seen as …

Multiple Ducks Drafted in the First Round?

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

2014 was a historic year for the Oregon football team. The Ducks finished the season with 13 wins, a Rose Bowl victory and a berth in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Now it appears the success might transfer to the next level, too. We know the NFL Draft has its surprises, but could we see multiple Ducks …

Mariota Making Smooth Transition to NFL

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Many in the press are becoming less skeptical of former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota‘s successful transition from the Ducks’ high octane spread offense to a more prototypical NFL-type system. In a roundtable discussion on the NFL Network, former New England Patriot and NFL fullback Heath Evans and former Chicago Bears wide receiver Curtis Conway believe Mariota continues to make the necessary adjustments to succeed as a …

Mariota Losing Ground in QB Battle? ESPN’s John Clayton Thinks So

Jason Selby FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

This year’s class of NFL hopefuls has provided intense speculation. The most anticipated position battle thus far has been Marcus Mariota vs James Winston. Many thought the Rose Bowl earlier this year cemented Mariota as the top quarterback in this year’s class. After the season ended and draft speculation heated up, the question as to who would be taken first became more and more …

Mariota’s Chance to Once Again Re-Create Oregon History

Ben Salaman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Oregon Ducks fans, and the entire College Football community as a whole, often talk about the greatness that Marcus Mariota is on the field. On the other hand, Mariota chooses to lead by example off the field, holding himself to standards of a role model. All records have been set, and one thing remains on the minds of Oregon Ducks fans – …

Marcus Mariota NFL Photo Hits Instagram

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Marcus Mariota was the center of attention at the 2015 NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. And the Heisman winner didn’t leave without a memento from NFL staff photographer Ben Liebenberg, who released a photo of Mariota on Instagram yesterday. The photo depicts the Oregon Ducks’ highly decorated quarterback and native Hawaiian in a stunning, royal blue jacket, firmly holding a football displaying the …

Mariota to Throw at NFL Combine

Adam Kruse FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

According to multiple sources close to ESPN’s Chris Mortenson, former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota will throw for prospective teams at 2015 NFL Combine to be held February 17-23 in Indianapolis. Mariota, along with Florida State’s Jameis Winston, are considered to be the top collegiate quarterbacks available in the 2015 NFL Draft. To what extent to participate in the NFL Combine is …

Oregon Makes ESPN Favorite Plays of the Year

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Some things just get lost in the excitement. Many Duck fans are returning to their DVRs, searching for footage from the 2014 Oregon football season, reliving the memories of their historic season with the projected top 2015 NFL Draft pick, quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mariota finished his 2014 Heisman Trophy winning campaign completing 68 percent of his passes for the Ducks, throwing for 4,454 yards, 42 touchdowns, and two …