In my last analysis, I took a look at the linebacker position, giving some thoughts on why backer play was inconsistent in 2014 and why I believe it will be better in 2015. In that analysis, I discussed how linebackers are taught to “read” keys to help them diagnose and react to the play. Let’s quickly review these reads and how …
FishDuck.com sportswriter Austin Willhoft managed to catch up with linebacker Rodney Hardrick after Friday’s spring practice, coming away with the impression that this coming fall will be the defining season for Hardrick. After a disappointing defensive performance in the National Championship game against Ohio State, the Ducks defense looks to reload and improve despite the loss of graduates Tony Washington and Derrick …
FishDuck.com sports reporter Jordan Ingram was at Monday’s Duck scrimmage and caught up with Jimmie Swain. Oregon’s linebacker position is stacked. While veteran seniors Rodney Hardrick and Joe Walker will most likely start at the inside linebacker positions, Jimmie Swain is working to make an impression during spring football practices and scrimmages. “By the end of spring, I just want all …
Time heals all wounds. That and good coaching. Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie’s decision to hire Chip Kelly as his team’s head coach was a blessing for linebacker Casey Matthews, one of Kelly’s former Oregon players who had struggled in limited game day action during his first two NFL seasons. Despite Matthews’s struggles in his early professional career, Kelly had …
What does it take to be a dominant linebacker? Strength, agility, competitiveness and leadership, all of these qualities in combination set the great apart from the journeyman. Additionally, strong linebackers help set the tempo on that side of the ball and become the “glue” of the defense. Oregon redshirt freshman Danny Mattingly is an exciting linebacker ready to contribute this …
Kevin Cline Football Recruiting Visits This past Saturday, a who’s who of elite high school stars made their way into Autzen Stadium and discovered what We, The Oregon Faithful already know; We’re fast . . . Really fast. One of those preps, heralded southwest defensive back John Plattenburg Jr., (3-Star/Houston, TX) had a preconceived idea of what to expect upon disembarking …