“Do something” drill makes its first public appearance of fall

Jack Butler

August 3, 2017

The first week of fall training camp is over, and there are now just four weeks to go until the Ducks line the tunnels and take the field at Autzen Stadium against Southern Utah on September 2.
They’re inching closer, but still no full pads for the Ducks. That didn’t stop the practice from getting physical.
Head coach Willie Taggart’s catch phrase is “do something.” It’s displayed all over the facilities, there is a hashtag for it, and he makes sure to say it every day.
Today, “do something” was manifested in a simple drill, which was first seen in spring practices.

“Do something” drill. pic.twitter.com/LirP1NOOLq
— Shawn Medow (@ShawnMedow) April 8, 2017

One offensive player lines up near the goal opposite of one defensive player with the football in the middle. The drill starts when the offensive player grabs it, and he then tries to make it across the goal line.

They call this the “do something” drill. pic.twitter.com/Mt9TxZs9XT
— Jack Butler (@Butler917) August 4, 2017

More “do something” drill. pic.twitter.com/be1joeo75x
— Jack Butler (@Butler917) August 4, 2017

Overall, with the first week coming to a close, Taggart is happy with what he saw.
“We’re getting better at every position,” Taggart said. “The competition is where we want it to be and we need it to continue throughout training camp.”
True evaluations are difficult without pads, as Taggart has stated, but from what can be seen is that the defense has energy and is making plays.
“I don’t know about last season, but I know now, from spring ball to where were at now, guys are really flying to the ball,” Taggart said. “They communicate really well and that’s really impressive … Sometimes I get ticked off because I’m calling a play and I hear Tyree (Robinson) calling it out and I’m like, ‘you’ve got to be kidding me.’”
Taggart praised the development of sophomore linebacker La’Mar Winston Jr. The Portland, Oregon native was a highly touted recruit, and so far it seems he’s living up to his potential.
“I tell you what, La’Mar, from the latter part of spring ball he’s just been coming along,” Taggart said. “It’s like he turned on a light switch and said, ‘ok it’s time to go play football.’ He’s really been out there competing and having fun.”
There is still no timetable for Clemson transfer Scott Pagano to return from a foot surgery he had in May. Pagano is at practice with a walking boot on his right foot.
Dillon Mitchell was absent from practice with an illness.
The Ducks had their usual 11-on-11 drill on Aug 4. Here were the initial 22 players to take the field.
Freshman Jordon Scott was the nose tackle with Henry Mondeaux next to him. Aug 4 was the third time a different player has started at the final defensive line spot. It was freshman Austin Faoliu this time. Elijah George and Jalen Jelks have also received snaps.
The linebackers remained the same with Winston Jr. and Jonah Moi on the outside, and Troy Dye and Kaulana Apelu on the inside.
The defensive back positions have yet to change. Thomas Graham Jr. and Arrion Springs are the cornerbacks with Robinson and Khalil Oliver at safety.
The offensive line has slight changes. Brady Aiello was in at left tackle for Tyrell Crosby. Shane Lemieux was at left guard. Jake Hanson was the center. Doug Brenner mad an appearance at right guard and Calvin Throckmorton was at right tackle.
Freshman Johnny Johnson III was lined up at wide receiver. Quarterback Justin Herbert has been complimenting his abilities all week. Malike Lovette was another wide-out with Darrian McNeal, who three a touchdown pass to Lovette.