This multi-week series will attempt to take a reasonable, logical and unbiased look at Oregon’s recent recruiting successes and failures while analyzing the program’s recruiting philosophy under Chip Kelly. The series will then look at how that philosophy already has and may continue to evolve under Mark Helfrich before ending with a detailed breakdown of the author’s ideal recruiting blueprint. …
Oregon Unknowns: The Last Bad Years
It’s been awhile since Oregon has truly failed in football. Certainly, games have been lost and teams have failed to meet expectations over the years, but the simple fact is that since the early 80’s there have been few seasons when the Ducks have fallen flat. From 1984 until 2012 Oregon has had twenty-four seasons at or above .500, and …
Meet Your New Ducks: Stretch Armstrong Wins The Day!
The Oregon offense has become famous for its blazingly quick receivers and backs. A vast majority of these athletes have been under 6’1″ or so, with a jaw-dropping ability to cut up and down the field; but what about that red zone possession receiver who Mariota can toss the ball up to in the corner of the end zone? Look …
Michigan – A Game of Firsts for Oregon
Coming off a lackluster performance against against a mediocre Stanford team, Oregon would be on the road for the second consecutive week. This time the trip would be to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines, who were coming off an unbeaten season, which included a 49-0 thrashing of Southern California in the 1948 Rose Bowl game. Michigan had tied …
Recruiting Update: Magnificent Seven pull an “Andrew Jackson” in New Orleans
Football Recruiting News Much like the general of yesteryear, Helfrich’s magnificent seven are running roughshod through the deep south. Highly touted safety Mattrell McGraw (NR/River Ridge, LA) received an Oregon offer and will be visiting Eugene later in the spring season. “This offer definitely puts (the Ducks) high on my list,” said McGraw. “If the visit goes well then I …
Is Oregon Adding a Tight End Twist?
We veterans of Oregon football are accustomed to the usual movements within the Inside and Outside Zone Read play and their blocking schemes. Yet in the Fiesta Bowl we ran something unusual with our tight end…. a twist within our Zone Read plays? How did it work and what were the results? Will we see it again? These are great …
Oregon Unknowns: Teaching Life Lessons from the Comfort of Your Car
Our new Friday series is the OREGON UNKNOWNS, where we look at interesting stories or facts about our beloved Ducks that few casual fans know about! Former Oregon running back Allan Amundson (#34, 1999-2002) started his career on the field quickly for the Ducks as a true freshman. He showed a rare burst of speed with a reported elite-level 4.2 second 40 yd. dash …
Behind the Curtain: Inside the Press Box
With FishDuck adding coverage to more sports each season, I frequently get asked the question, “What’s it like to be in the press box?” I could say, “Look on the internet”, except for one problem: there isn’t much of an answer. The question is, why isn’t much written on the topic? More than likely, anyone in a position to write …
Developing Offensive Linemen for the Zone Scheme
When watching the Oregon Ducks execute their high octane run game it is easy to get caught up in the play-making ability of their skill players. Watching guys like Marcus Mariota and De’Anthony Thomas is exhilarating. What some fail to realize is the success or failure of the run game hinges on the offense’s ability to control the line of …
The Bowl Game that Changed Oregon Football
Most Duck fans are familiar with the play that changed Oregon football. Kenny Wheaton’s early break on Washington quarterback Damon Huard’s pass deep in Duck territory and subsequent 97-yard touchdown return propelled the Ducks into the 1995 Rose Bowl and forever improved the program’s trajectory. The play was spectacular in every way; the break on the ball, the exciting return, and the …
Recruiting Update: Oregon Shadowing Speed in New Jersey Backwoods?
Football Recruiting News Oregon’s backfield draw continues to illuminate marquee preps. One such senior-to-be, tailback Jonathan Hilliman (NR/Jersey City, NJ) claims an Oregon offer this past season and enters 2014 as one of the nation’s elite runners. “I have to get out there see what Oregon has to offer,” said Hilliman. “I’m pretty interested in them… seeing the success they’ve had bringing out …
Flashback: From Third String Benchwarmer To Star…Within Minutes
Special teams has played an important role in the past 20 years of Oregon football. Specifically, Oregon fans, players, and coaches take great pride in the kicking game. During the great era of the mid-90’s – mid-2000’s rise to fame, the Oregon Faithful saw lots of successful kickers split the uprights. One in particular saw his persistence pay off, …
