Two Recruiting Revelations That Surprised FishDuck

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

We all know of them, the “Web Wackos” who post crazy stuff about Oregon football on the major recruiting message boards.  You would think they had never experienced a recruiting season before, and perhaps for some of the 14-year-olds posting (in maturity, if not biological), that is true. Sitting at the recruiting luncheon in Eugene, Oregon, a week ago made …

College Football Nation: SEC Rules and SEC! SEC! SEC!

Jeff Hostetler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

First off, it has been a busy week for me.  Not so much with National Signing Day (NSD) and paying attention to recruiting but more on the family aspect.  My wife and I welcomed our 2nd child on February 1st.  I know she will be a great child because she was born before the Super Bowl, allowing me to not …

Oregon’s Success Doesn’t Depend on Recruiting Rankings

Don Gilman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Oregon will never win any recruiting championships.  While teams such as Alabama, USC and LSU tend to dominate in the rankings, the Ducks rarely crack the top-15.  Year after year they bring in solid, but unspectacular recruiting classes, yet year after year, Oregon takes those same recruits and turns them into champions. Why is that?  What is the key that allows teams without …

The BEST Zone Blocking Analysis on the Web

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Fish Reports, FishWrap

  Coach Levi Steier gave us an analysis of Zone Blocking that had been a regular article in our “FishWrap” in the past.  It was such an extraordinary article that I placed it in our Offensive Tutorials in the “Directory” (tab at top of site) and tons of coaching sites found it.  I was astounded to see the year end …

Oregon Football Recruiting Analysis: Wild Week Awaits

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With less than a week left before national signing day, there are plenty of questions surrounding Oregon’s 2014 recruiting class.  The only guarantee is that the next seven days will be eventful, one way or another.  There are also seven names to keep an eye on during that time:  DT Trey Lealaimatafao, DT Rika Levi, DT Ratu Mafileo, S Matrell …

Is There Life After DAT?

Don Gilman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

DeAnthony Thomas’ time at Oregon was like one of his scorching touchdown plays: it went by in a flash.  From his first game against LSU to his final appearance (if it can be called that) against Texas, DAT was the equivalent of a human meteor.  He blazed a bright trail across Oregon football that will not be forgotten soon.  He …

College Football Nation: Strong Rules and Johnny Manziel No. 1

Jeff Hostetler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

  Oh, the dreaded off season.  What do you want to talk about?  The biggest things we can focus on right now is “National Signing Day,” the ever changing Coaching Carousel, and how every team will go about re-loading after losing players to the NFL DRAFT. 1) Right now I am really impressed with new Texas Coach Charlie Strong.  He …

Recruiting Analysis: Ducks Dodge Disaster

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

When news broke that Don Pellum was going to be Oregon’s new defensive coordinator, a number of people asked me how it would affect recruiting.  ”It won’t,” I said, “the thing to watch is whether or not John Neal stays put.”  I was worried, since I knew that Neal really wanted that defensive coordinator position.  How would he react to …

A Wave of Change Engulfs the Football Program

Don Gilman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Another football season has come and gone.  Overall, it was another successful run for the Ducks, even if they did not meet their ultimate goals.  Another 11-win season.  Another win in a bowl game.  Another top-ten ranking to wrap up the year. Mark Helfrich proved that he can handle the pressure of running a major college program, Marcus Mariota continued …

College Football Nation: SEC Dominates and Johnny F. Does It Again

Jeff Hostetler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

  It was a very exciting week of bowl games and there were a few changes in the coaching world that will be setting off a chain reaction of other coaching relocations.  I think the two biggest shocks of the week were Penn State’s Bill O’Brien bolting so suddenly and then the way Alabama was not playing like Alabama in …

The Best Damn Analysis of Texas — Are the Ducks on the ‘Horns of a Dilemma?

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Editorials

That title is a lofty claim, but most of you have read my work for a couple of years and know that when I make an infrequent boast like that — I always back it up.  I assert this because, like you, I have read the stat-filled reports that give us names, but very little in the way of details …

College Football Nation: Winston Wins Right Coast Heisman and Oregon Gets Left Coasted Out

Jeff Hostetler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

  Busy week for college football – not so much with on the field action but more off field action, with the hiring and firings of coaches, the Heisman presentation, and some major money being thrown at some coaches.  If you want some football before bowl season starts you can catch the FCS playoffs.  The lower divisions are duking it out …