The Ducks got closer to full pads and full contact on day four of fall training camp by wearing shoulder pads for the first time. Now the practices get more physical as the dog days of camp loom.
“We’re going to thud it up a little bit, not take anybody to the ground but get those pads clacking nice and loud,” head coach Willie Taggart said before practice. “I want to see who can move people up front and execute.”
The significant news of the day was sophomore safety Brenden Schooler transitioning to wide receiver.
Wide receiver depth is thin this season and underclassmen are expected to be the bulk of production. Safety depth is not a concern as Tyree Robinson and Khalil Oliver look like the frontrunners with Schooler, Brady Breeze, Juwaan Williams and freshman Deommodore Lenoir competing as well.
So, Schooler is a welcome sight for the offense.
“He’s super athletic,” quarterback Justin Herbert said. “He’s really athletic on both sides of the ball, and I’m glad to have him on our side of the ball.”
Taggart mentioned some players may switch around positions this camp, and Schooler seems to be the first significant move.
“Yesterday we let him run a couple of routes and he looked pretty good, so we figured we’d bring him over to see what he can do,” Taggart said. “We’re just trying to find out where the best position for all our players is, and make sure to put them in position to help the football team.”
The wide receivers are young but talented. They’ve made plays, and quarterback Justin Herbert mentioned Johnny Johnson III, Jaylon Redd and Daewood Davis as freshman who are standing out.
Oregon did one 11-on-11 drill during the open section of practice.
The first units out during the 11-on-11 drills have stayed relatively the same, but with some tweaks from time-to-time. The first players out were as followed:
Freshman Jordon Scott, senior Henry Mondeaux and redshirt junior Jalen Jelks were the defensive lineman. Mondeaux and Scott have been the frontrunners for the positions since day one of camp.
Troy Dye and Kaulana Apelu were the inside linebackers. Apelu was in for A.J. Hotchkins. Jonah Moi and La’Mar Winston Jr. were the outside linebackers.
The secondary has not changed with Thomas Graham Jr. and Arrion Springs at cornerback, and Robinson and Oliver at safety.
On the offense, Herbert was the starting quarterback and Royce Freeman was the running back, which basically goes without saying.
Tyrell Crosby was at left tackle with Calvin Throckmorton on the right. Jake Hanson was at center with Shane Lemieux to his left and Jake Pisarcik to his right.
Dillon Mitchell and Charles Nelson were both absent from participating from practice. Mitchell was without pads and Nelson could not be found.
So, Johnson III and Malik Lovette were at the receiver positions. The Ducks had two tight ends on the field in Jacob Breeland and Ryan Bay.
Kani Benoit makes AJ Hotchkins miss in the open field. Leavitt with the appropriate reaction. pic.twitter.com/Zm29l2d9sy
— Jack Butler (@Butler917) August 3, 2017
Follow Jack Butler on Twitter @Butler917
