The 2019 Oregon Ducks epitomized the classic saying “defense wins championships.” Their stingy defense more or less carried the team through the season, making game-saving plays and bailing out the offense in a few games. While the offense sputtered, head coach Mario Cristobal kept the defensive momentum rolling through recruiting, grabbing some highly sought-after recruits who have since become household …
For many players, spending a redshirt season largely on the sideline can be very daunting. Especially for many of the bigger name recruits, it could very well be their first time ever not starting. However, the players that make the most of their time spent on the bench are the ones who form the foundational backbone of a team. Trikweze …
The 2019 recruiting process was a bit of a whirlwind when it came to cornerbacks. After the sudden de-commitment of Marques Caldwell and Elijah Blades, the second reserve slot was left open. Sure, Mykael Wright, who went on to have a fantastic first season, had Ducks fans feeling somewhat confident about the future of the cornerback position, but there was …
It’s becoming almost an embarrassment of recruiting riches in Eugene under Mario Cristobal. Last week we learned that Oregon has reportedly hired Bryan McClendon as passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach. Though McClendon looks to have considerable coaching chops, the real weight of this hire may be less on the coaching side and more on the recruiting side. This is the …
In what as a whirlwind in the later half of February, Oregon seemingly appears to have settled in for the 2021 recruiting cycle. While the departure of cornerbacks coach Donte Williams stings on multiple levels, Oregon brings home a former member of the flock in that of up and coming position man Rod Chance. After spending last season in Minnesota …
Since before the turn of the 20th century, Oregon and Oregon State have competed on the football field in what is known as the Civil War. Although this interstate battle is not scheduled until late November, the rivalry deepened this past weekend when USC transfer Devon Williams flipped from Oregon State to Oregon in a matter of hours. On September …
Is Mario Cristobal entirely responsible for Oregon’s historic recruiting classes? Are there other people or factors that deserve our thanks, or should all the credit go to the current coaching staff? I’ve been thinking about all the variables that have to fall into place for a top recruit to choose the Ducks, and am curious if others have considered this, …
Over the years, several things have intrigued me about sports, but one of the most intriguing aspects is how well they function as a slice of life. We see the whole gamut of emotions and behavior, don’t we? ABC’s Wide World of Sports captured it so iconically years ago with “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” being …
Early returns on 2020 recruiting are promising for Oregon. The Ducks have secured five commits thus far, with three four-stars and two three-stars. Two of the four-star recruits have committed within the past week. Remember that it is still April, and that under previous regimes the Ducks would enter the season with roughly five commitments. Where Chip Kelly and Mark Helfrich filled their …
There’s a bit of concern surrounding the Ducks’ 2020 recruiting class. Right now, the Ducks rank 33rd in 247Sports’ composite rankings, behind the likes of Iowa State, Boston College and BYU. For a team that ranked in the top 10 in the previous cycle, it seems problematic that the Ducks haven’t even cracked the top 25 in this year’s go …
In 1999, Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young retired from the San Francisco 49ers. In 2000, the 49ers went 6-10 under coach Steve Mariucci and headed into the offseason trying to improve the team. General manager Bill Walsh and Mariucci felt they needed a quarterback, and on draft day, two of the most successful minds in the NFL went into …
What are the “experts” saying about the recruiting class? Many of the most knowledgeable are part of the pay-sites of which most of you don’t have access to. (Which is why you are on this free site!) I was thinking about offering my early assessment of the recruiting class signed thus far for 2019, but the truth is–it is just …