As spring practices wind down and Saturday’s spring game approaches, Oregon football reflected on its spring process before its Tuesday morning practice.
More improvement
Oregon linebacker Jonah Moi (42) blocks defensive lineman Drake Brennan (95). The Oregon Ducks practice at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore. on Tuesday April 25, 2017. (Phillip Quinn/Emerald)
For the first time in years, media have been able to watch portions of practice. And for the players, spring practices brought extra scrutiny with a moving depth chart.
“I think we’re making progress every day,” quarterback Justin Herbert said. “We’re learning more and we’re getting more comfortable with each other.”
Even when the Ducks commit errors in the wake of a new system, the players have found ways to emphasize the positive.
“I think we’ve made a lot of improvements overall on the field,” head coach Willie Taggart said. “The coaches, players — we’ve improved every day. I’m really excited where we’re at, but we’re by no means where we need to be. There’s a lot of mistakes but there’s a lot of positives too.”
Energy has been a key factor in practices for Oregon this spring. From Taggart’s message of “Do Something” to Jim Leavitt’s nonstop hustle, the Ducks fly all over the practice field with regularity.
“Coming out here and bringing the juice out here every day even when you might not have it or think you might not have it,” running back Royce Freeman said. “Coach Taggart and all the coaches have done a great job of bringing that out of us. From beginning to the end, I’ve seen a lot of improvement in that.”
Wide receiver Charles Nelson has moved into a slot receiver role but said he is going to have to be versatile under the new coaching staff.
“I’m just playing slot but who knows,” wide receiver Charles Nelson said. “Coach [Michael] Johnson and all the coaches want us to learn every position just in case. … It just gives me space to do a lot of things, not just one-sided.”
For Freeman, spring’s theme has centered on improvement — not to mention getting strong and learning to break down defensive schemes.
“So far just working on my pad level,” Freeman said. “[Donte Pimpleton] said I’ve done a good job of not missing that many assignments especially having a new offense being incorporated just working on my pad level, using my size to my advantage and running through defenders.”
Spring game changes
With a draft system in place, the Ducks competed internally for their top players. Saturday’s game, open to the public, will begin at 11 a.m.
Oregon designated four free agents who could join either squad.
“It was cool. It was a new little flavor they threw in there for the spring game,” Freeman said. “A lot of guys wanted to be a free agent so I was lucky enough to be one. Coach [Mario] Cristobal, man. I’m telling you, he’s a top-notch recruiter. He can even recruit his own players.”
Taggart is looking forward to his first action in Autzen Stadium before fans.
“It’s still about competing,” Taggart said. “I tell our guys ‘You’re still going to be evaluated.’ It’s a good evaluation because you’re playing with a lot of guys you haven’t played with throughout spring ball. So I think we’re going to see a lot out of our guys after this game.”
Follow Shawn Medow on Twitter @ShawnMedow
