With Oregon less than a week away from preparing for its season opener against UC Davis on Sept. 3, the jockeying for spots on the quarterback depth chart is still up for grabs — at least the spot most fans didn’t expect.
Entering fall camp, it was widely expected that incoming senior-transfer Dakota Prukop was going to challenge redshirt freshman Travis Jonsen for the starting spot. Freshmen Terry Wilson Jr. and Justin Herbert were expected to fill out the remaining spots, if not redshirt for the season.
After speaking with Oregon quarterback coach David Yost on Monday — and listening to head coach Mark Helfrich last week — it seems as if Prukop is running away with the starting spot based solely on command of the offense, presence with the team and the ability to limit mistakes.
“I think the time he’s had here has really helped him (Prukop) — you can see a huge difference from where he started spring at, ended spring at, started two-a-days at and where we he is now,” Yost said. “What it comes down is his consistency, being able to do it day in and day out, play after play, no matter what the circumstance is.”
The real battle is for backup to Prukop. Jonsen was the expected backup based on competition but now that’s not a forgone conclusion anymore with the accession of Herbert.
Herbert has been the surprise at camp. The big and tall play-maker from Eugene’s Sheldon High School has picked up the offense extremely quick and is pushing Jonsen for the Ducks’ backup spot based on his ability to limit mistakes and make the correct reads on offense.
“He’s really exceeded all expectations… he’s done a great a job in practice and he’s been repping up, he’s in the regular rotation right now and getting as many reps as all the guys,” Yost said. “I think he’s definitely in competition for a spot where he’s traveling and where he’s more than just the No. 3 guy and moving that way up.”
He’s also a better athlete than most expected. He’s not the quickest, but he makes the right moves with his feet that give him an edge.
“He’s way more athletic and faster than what you think of,” Yost said. “We had a little cookout at my house two weeks ago and he was out dunking every which way possible on my seven year-old… he was able to beat my seven year-old.”
No matter how the depth chart shakes out, it’s clear that the competition displayed by all the players has led to a higher level of play throughout the position, something Oregon is hoping translates once Sept. 3 hits.
Follow Ryan Kostecka on Twitter @Ryan_Kostecka