Weather Forecast: Is a “Hurricane” Coming to Eugene in D.J. Johnson?

Mike Kelly Talent Evaluation

The Oregon Ducks were an also ran in the 2017 recruiting cycle sweepstakes for Deonte “D.J.” Johnson, along with 98 other schools. Johnson a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end, committed to the Miami Hurricanes on July 25, 2017 over other finalists Washington, Utah, and USC. Johnson, from Luther Burbank High School in  Sacramento, California was a Top-100 player according the recruiting website …

Oregon Ducks Football: Prototypical 3-4 Defensive End Rutger Reitmaier

Mike Kelly Talent Evaluation

The Oregon Ducks football team signed an impressive defensive lineman in this last recruiting cycle, plucking Rutger Reitmaier out of Tennessee. This is the third year in a row that the Ducks have signed a highly regarded prospect out of the Volunteer state. Last year Oregon signed All-World wide receiver Dillon Mitchell, a four-star prospect and Tennessee Gatorade State Player …

Oregon Football Has a New “Wrecking Ball,” Jordon Scott

Mike Kelly Talent Evaluation

New Oregon football defensive lineman Jordon Scott from Largo, Florida, is poised to anchor the middle of head coach Willie Taggart’s 3-4 defense for the foreseeable future. He has the potential to be the one of the best defensive tackles ever at Oregon, following the likes of Rolland Putzier and Haloti Ngata. He has been listed as 6-foot-1, and weighing 345 pounds. …

Analysis: UO Sack Monsters Mondeaux, Balducci, and Buckner

Jay MacPherson Analysis, Fish Reports

Keeping with the Halloween theme that always accompanies late October, this analysis reviews the marvelous, monstrous sacks by Oregon Duck defensive linemen that took place during the Washington game. Oregon’s improvement pressuring the QB in its last contest was certainly a welcome sight. Here’s to hoping this keeps up Thursday night, and that the remaining season reveals the true sack monsters of Oregon. …

Ducks Look to Maintain Mojo vs Spartans

Sam Felton FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Every dedicated Duck (and Spartan) fan remembers the pivotal play in Oregon’s 46-27 comeback victory last September. Third-and-11, down by nine with little momentum and an anxious Autzen stadium looking on, Marcus Mariota miraculously evaded Spartan defenders before shoveling the ball to Royce Freeman for a first down. This determination rejuvenated the Duck spirits as they went on to score four unanswered …

Duckling Profile: Austin Maloata Developing as Role Expands

Forrest Welk FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

While Duck fans know Oregon football for its high-powered, speed-kills offense, they also know the Ducks have a nagging need to get bigger and faster on defense. Enter Austin Maloata, a true sophomore defensive lineman looking to move up the depth chart this season. While he didn’t play much his freshman season, Duck fans should look out for his intimidating 300-pound frame, topped with …

DeForest Buckner: Defensive Stalwart

Michael Bigham FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Mike Sweeney of FishDuck.com was at the Hatfield-Dowlin complex on Friday covering week one of spring practice for the Ducks where defensive lineman DeForest Buckner talked about his rehabilitation process. It’ll be a long spring for Buckner, the Oregon D-lineman who had arthroscopic surgery performed on his knee over the summer. The crutches have been stowed in the closet, but he’s …

Kamp, Yruretagoyena Latest Casualties in Football’s “Super Size” Era

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

As of last Thursday, two of Oregon’s big men, junior OL Andre Yruretagoyena and junior DL Sam Kamp, have officially retired from college football. Both Yruretagoyena and Kamp cited health concerns and will forgo their final seasons of playing eligibility, the latest in collegiate career casualties stemming from football’s new ”Super Size” era. Oregon’s Andre Yruretagoyena won’t return for his senior season http://t.co/FPEJBB3aRH pic.twitter.com/MwykD2isyc — Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 27, …

Defensive Big Birds Fill Out Oregon’s 2015 Recruiting Class

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The myth that Oregon is small and can’t hang with the “big boys” is so tired, it needs a dirt nap. Throughout the 2014 season, the Ducks stood toe-to-toe with elite teams from across the country and were nearly perfect in the win column, producing a magical year that earned them a Rose Bowl victory, a Heisman trophy winner, and a second place …

In Defense Of: The Duck Defensive Line

Casey Fluegge FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Gone from the 2013 Duck D-Line are such stalwarts as Wade Keliikipi, Taylor Hart and Ricky Havili-Heimuli.  All very good players who will be missed, but the cupboard isn’t bare.  Though some fans panicked at Oregon’s inability to close on a couple of highly regarded D-Lineman on LOI day, there remains much to look forward to from the Duck’s DL …

Meet Your New Ducks: The Jolly Green Giant

Joe Packer FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Arik Armstead arrived in Eugene last spring as a blue chip recruit surrounded by a ton of hype and promise.  While he served his smaller role dutifully this past season, some fans were left wondering where that game-changing presence was like De’Anthony Thomas had shown as a true freshman. Perhaps Oregon didn’t need another game changer as guys like Kiko …