With a couple weeks remaining before its season opener against Eastern Washington, Oregon certainly has room to grow. The players know that and the coaching staff has continually preached that. That doesn’t, however, mean they don’t like what they saw in week one.
Oregon concluded their first full pads scrimmage, Tuesday, and according to quarterback Jeff Lockie, it went well. In fact, the offense didn’t cough up the ball once. This isn’t common.
“I can’t remember a scrimmage we’ve had up to date where the quarterbacks as a whole have not turned the ball over,” Lockie said. “Even the offense … we didn’t have a fumble, no interceptions. You can’t be upset about that.”
The same praise can be said about the defense, which has been shuffling a plethora of players at different positions. This is something Oregon has done ever since the Chip Kelly era, but with the departure of key players like Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and Arik Armstead, that very emphasis on depth has held that much more bearing this fall camp.
Having said that, Defensive Coordinator Don Pellum has been pleased with what he’s seen out his returners and newcomers.
“Right now, from an understanding standpoint, we’re ahead of where we were last year,” Pellum said.
Another group that has been drawing attention is the offensive line. After saying their goodbyes to longtime center Hroniss Grasu and tackle Jake Fisher, Steve Greatwood has been pushing hard to get his returners up to speed. That includes recent Notre Dame transfer Matt Hegarty who has, according to Greatwood, transitioned well with his new team. He has been competing with Doug Brenner for the starting job at center.
“I’m confident that whoever wins the job at center will be more than adequate,” Greatwood said.
Charles Nelson, who was seen in crutches and a left knee brace on Monday, was seen at practice today with a noticeable limp. He replaced his hefty knee brace with a lighter, elastic brace today.
Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim