We, at FishDuck.com, have presented several analyses of Oregon’s Spring Football Game, all featuring a theme of how the new and improved Duck defense stopped different offensive plays. This week there’s not a definite theme – other than they are “delicious” ingredients to savor. Like a hearty Gumbo’s different flavors, these three plays come together to make a delectable concoction. …
Oregon Ducks Football: Prototypical 3-4 Defensive End Rutger Reitmaier
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 …
The Five Stages of Oregon Fan Grief – The 2016 Football Season in Review
We can point to just a few plays this last season that would have resulted in a winning record, a bowl game and likely the extension of the Mark Helfrich era (for better or worse). Let’s look at the season and our five stages of fan grief: sadness, depression, denial, disbelief, and finally, blame. To say this last season was …
For Darrian McNeal, Football is More Than a Game, and Taggart Is More Than a Coach
Relationships with coaches and teammates is something that transcends all sports. The bond between player and coach can have a lasting impact on both parties. Even though Willie Taggart hasn’t even officially coached him yet, 3-star wide receiver Darrian McNeal has faith in his bond with Taggart. A Man Amongst Men It all began when McNeal, who played at Armwood High …
Oregon Ducks Recruiting Update: Top Prep Mascot Coming to Eugene
Coach Willie Taggart once again waves his Florida magic wand to secure a major recruit. Kenny Johns, a 5-star mascot performer out of Gainesville, FL, has committed to the Oregon Ducks. Johns confirmed his commitment to 247Sports later that day: “Duck yeah! I’m a Duck!” The 5’10” Johns (ninth-ranked mascot per 247Sports Composite) is an excellent foot stomper and can reel off …
The Improved Oregon Defense: Defending the Counter Trey
For the past two weeks, we, at FishDuck.com, have shown examples of good-to-very-good Oregon defense, taken from the Oregon Spring Game. Last week we looked at the Ducks defending their own Inside Zone Read [IZR], and prior to that we saw good examples of Oregon’s defense containing and stopping the Jet and Pistol Sweeps by their offense. Today we’ll look at …
How Important Is FILM STUDY to Oregon Football?
There are things coaches place the most importance on each year for a program to be successful, but watching film is a must when it comes to growth. There is no other sport that relies on film study like the game of football. There is no preparation more important than understanding how to study film or as coaches call it …
Is Chris Miller The Most Influential Player in Oregon History?
Dan Fouts is the hall of famer. Marcus Mariota is the Heisman Trophy winner. Joey Harrington is the state of Oregon’s favorite son. And Chris Miller? Well, he’s just the one who started it all. “Started what?” you’re asking. Started the winning. As we hit the thirty-year mark of Miller being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the 13th overall pick in …
Willie Taggart, The Leader
Recently I had the extremely appreciative joy of attending the Oregon Coaches’ Football Clinic. I’ve been pretty-much annually attending football coaching clinics since 1964; heard many of the all-time greats speak, while always sitting up-front, eagerly asking questions when I could. I’ve learned a lot about football and the personalities of many coaches. But this Duck Clinic was wonderfully unique. …
Oregon Ducks Football: New Impact DT Transfer from Clemson-Scott Pagano
The Oregon Ducks football team received a much needed commitment of talent and leadership from graduate transfer Scott Pagano on April 14, 2017 when the veteran defensive tackle from Clemson chose the Ducks over Oklahoma, Notre Dame, California, Arkansas and Nebraska among some 30 other schools. Scott Pagano was a highly regarded National Recruit in the 2013 recruiting cycle. Scout.com …
The “404” Defensive Scheme is BACK with DC Jim Leavitt
My friends, we are fortunate again to have an Analysis from our own Grizzled Ol’ Coach, Mike Morris, as he will be slowly releasing information about the new Oregon Offense and Defense over the next couple of months along with our other superb coaches aligned with FishDuck.com. Do know that the defense that our beloved Ducks will be running is …
Royce Freeman Deserves Heisman Front-runner Title
Yep, I said it. Royce Freeman is a running back that should be in the Heisman discussion right now. Speed, power, good in short yardage and he can bounce it outside. And he offers the kind of lifetime numbers that will help East Coast writers understand how good he’s been and for how long. I’m not arguing there aren’t other great backs …












