Autzen Stadium Expansion: Challenges and Benefits

Jack Heffernan FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

What would you think if Autzen Stadium, already known for being loud, expanded and became a cradle for eardrum-splitting noise? Silly question. You’re a Northwest sports fan, which, by default, means you are always seeking acknowledgement as the most raucous fan base in the country. Just spend five minutes witnessing a game at the Rose Garden (Moda Center) or CenturyLink …

Recruiting Update: Griffin Runs 4.34/40 at The Opening

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting News Recent Oregon commit Travis Waller (4-Star/Anaheim, CA/Rivals250) is silencing any remaining critics about the game he intends to bring to Oregon. The 6-foot-2, 195 lb. dual-threat has been turning at heads the Elite 11 quaterback camp held this past weekend at Nike’s Beaverton campus. “When you watch the ball (come out of his hand), he delivers it …

Scott’s Turf: Unofficial Destruction of Recruiting

Scott Reed FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

  “Inebriate of air am I, And debauchee of dew, Reeling, through endless summer days, From inns of molten blue.” This is the second stanza from Emily Dickinson’s “Poem # 214.” Often referred to by the first line of the first stanza, this poem delves into what provides happiness to the soul. The voice of the poem is drunk on …

Oregon Lockes up Waller

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting Commitments Yesterday morning, Oregon received some much needed news after several disappointing months on the quarterback front.  Dual threat Travis Waller (4-Star/Anaheim, CA/Rivals250) committed to Mark Helfrich and Co. amid a long recruiting rapport that saw the Ducks offer Waller on June 21st. A long rumored Oregon lean, the 6-foot-2, 195 lb. do-it-all quarterback announced his decision via …

Recruiting Update: We Got Ifo, Why Not Ofo?

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting Commitments Oregon received a startling, yet not necessarily unexpected commitment in recent visitor Alex Ofodile (4-Star/Columbia, MO/Rivals250). A mid-west standout at wide receiver, Ofodile made the trek out west to visit the Ducks this past weekend. “It was definitely where I felt most comfortable,” said Ofodile. “I loved the facilities and all of that, but I just got …

Recruiting Update: Barnett’s Big Weekend

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting News The stakes couldn’t be higher as Oregon eagerly anticipates the arrival of big-board topper Blake Barnett (4-Star/Corona, CA/Rivals100). Arguably the nation’s top dual-threat quarterback, Barnett will be in Eugene this coming Thursday for a multi-day recruiting trip. Unlike his first visit to Duckville, Barnett will not be alone as he intends to bring both mom and dad …

Recruiting Update: Barnett an Oregon Lock?

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting News He can be described as the biggest commit to “See Green” late in the game since De’Anthony Thomas. Quarterback Blake Barnett (4-Star/Corona, Ca/Rivals100) made a surprise visit to Oregon earlier this month and following what has been described as a perfect visit to Eugene, decommitted from a lengthy verbal nod to Notre Dame. Oregon now appears to be …

The Unlikely Trap Game on Oregon’s Schedule

Nathan Roholt FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

I’m not saying it is going to happen; just saying it is possible. Not likely, just possible. Like writing a will before travelling abroad: if there’s even a moderate chance of something bad happening, prudent people take precautions to mitigate the danger. Wills are written in case the unexpected happens, that remote possibility no one else saw coming, to let everyone know you …

Recruiting Update: All Eyes on Murray

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

  Football Recruiting News Swirling rumors will finally be put to rest as the nation’s top dual-threat quarterback, Kyler Murray (4-Star/Allen, TX/Rivals100), will announce his program decision later today. The southwest phenom accounted for 57 touchdowns during his junior season and will attempt to lead his team to their third-straight state title this coming year. While only 5-foot-11, 175 lbs., …

Recruiting Update: Oregon Tripping Air-Raid Sirens

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting News Oregon’s push into the summer camp cycle is gaining momentum as one of the west coast’s top linebackers, Cameron Smith (4-Star/Granite Bay, CA) is slated to visit over Memorial Day weekend.  The 6-foot-2, 240 lb. “Mike” defender is said to be interested in the Ducks after an offer was extended March 3. Oregon’s no stranger to prying recruits …

One Goal, One Word: Shutout

Ashley Young FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The safety: the last line of defense, constantly going in and out of attack mode, able to sift through offensive structures and break them down.  Arguably the position that gives the quarterback the most trouble, due to the safety’s ability to move undetected.  The Oregon Ducks have seen several players come through this position who have had a great impact. Now it’s …