– Oregon receiver Byron Marshall and recently-converted cornerback Charles Nelson were two of 44 players named to the 2015 Paul Hornung award watch list on Monday. The award, given to college football’s most versatile player, has eight Pac-12 players on its watch list – the most of any conference.
Marshall was a 1,000-yard rusher two seasons ago as Oregon’s feature running back prior to the emergence of Royce Freeman and Thomas Tyner. He proved his offensive versatility last season with another 1,000-yard year – this time, as a receiver.
As a true freshman, Nelson was a special teams star, returning two punts for touchdowns and making plenty of big hits on kickoff and punt coverage teams. Later in the season, Nelson saw more time on offense. He had a combined 428 yards and five touchdowns from scrimmage.
His next project is defense, where he is battling through the summer for a starting cornerback spot.
– Former Oregon offensive lineman Andre Yruretagoyena spoke to Tyson Alger of the Oregonian about his decision to step away from football after breaking his leg against Michigan State early last season. Here’s an excerpt from the article:
“It was time to retire. And unlike players who retire because of injury or due to performance, Yruretagoyena decided to go out conceivably before he had played his best football. If healthy in 2015, Yruretagoyena would have likely been a starter. Instead, he chose to walk away.”
– Oregon men’s basketball point guard Ahmaad Rorie is transferring from the program. According to Justin Hopkins from 247sports, the University of Montana appears to be Rorie’s likely landing spot. As a freshman, Rorie appeared in 36 games with 15 starts. He averaged 4.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
– Vernon Adams is one step closer to becoming a Duck. The former Eastern Washington quarterback, who is expected to compete for the Ducks’ starting spot, has been admitted to the University of Oregon and can now enroll in graduate classes. Adams has yet to enroll in classes, however, but will be able to do so again on Aug. 5. Once enrolled, Adams can start participating in team-organized workouts and practices.
– The Eugene Emeralds shut out the Vancouver Canadiens 6-0 Sunday evening at PK Park. Justin Marra’s solo home run in the third inning extended the Emeralds’ lead 3-0. The Emeralds and Canadiens continue their five game series tonight at 7:05 p.m.
Follow Will Denner on Twitter @Will_Denner