Brief Duck Update From An Insider

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I have a friend of a friend who is associated with the Duck football team. He used to be a college football player and even travels with them. Here is his brief assessment of the team thus far after spring and other workouts…

Offense looking sharp. MM seems to be his old self. Still no heir apparent to MM. He states the young WR's will surprise many and that this is easily the best young WR group we have ever had. Next year they could be the best overall in the nation.

On defense the D-line is very thin with respect to talent and any injuries will be a major blow. Our LB core is easily the worst he has ever seen in 15 years. Grossly underperforming to the point we're experimenting with 3rd string safeties… and trying them out there. Our cover people are solid as usual.

Anyway, that's the skinny from an insider to the program.

 

[Natebishop3]

The linebackers were a major hole last year. After losing Kiko, Clay, and Dion, obviously there was going to be a huge step down, but it was actually worse than I expected.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

The linebackers were a major hole last year. After losing Kiko, Clay, and Dion, obviously there was going to be a huge step down, but it was actually worse than I expected.

He said they are looking at players (like safties) who may be too light to play LB but clearly very fast and trying them there to see how they do. We may have to take them, bulk them up a bit and hope for the best. It makes me think teams will run wild on us this year.

 

[Quack U!]

I was a bit worried that would be the word. If something happens to AA, Balducci or Buckner how confident are they in Bair, Talia and Maloata right now? Any word on the progression of Prevot, Mattingly and Heard at the LB spot? Mattingly has huge size for an LB, is the talent lacking or? Walker, Coleman and Cassell are really going to have to step up.

This is why a deep D line recruiting is so important!

I know our secondary is solid Neal knows how to recruit and they players flock to him.

 

[NewsSource]

He said they are looking at players (like safties) who may be too light to play LB but clearly very fast and trying them there to see how they do. We may have to take them, bulk them up a bit and hope for the best. It makes me think teams will run wild on us this year.

Keep in mind that the defense is going up against a loaded offense. Probably the best offense they will face all season is the offense they'll face in fall camp.

 

[STOMP]

I've been hoping that Coleman returning from injury and some talented 2nd year players would boost the LB corps... I'm going to keep hoping that they start figuring it out. Typically the Offense is ahead of the D at the start of the year, but LBs were the weakest link on the team last year in my eyes.

Here's a couple Moseley practice report links...

August 4th

August 5th

STOMP

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I'd like to see our D-line be more physical and not be used for having the LB's come in to make the tackles. Perhaps that will help.

 

[STOMP]

I'd like to see our D-line be more physical and not be used for having the LB's come in to make the tackles. Perhaps that will help.

Perhaps it would, perhaps it wouldn't. There is no denying that they've been consistently one of the top statistical Defenses in the Pac 12 for many seasons, though last season with struggling LBs they were not at their best. Unless the LBs pick up their play they will struggle regardless of the scheme(s) employed.

STOMP

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Perhaps it would, perhaps it wouldn't. There is no denying that they've been consistently one of the top statistical Defenses in the Pac 12 for many seasons, though last season with struggling LBs they were not at their best. Unless the LBs pick up their play they will struggle regardless of the scheme(s) employed.

STOMP

I wonder...

What I'd like to see is more schemes designed for backfield penetration and blow up running lanes. Right now we tie up their O-line and have the lb's come in for the tackle.

But one thing I do know... Things better chance and fast as MSU is a must win at home.

 

[Blazer_Mullet_Man]

Friend of a friend who is associated? For reals?

Thanks for the "inside scoop"! I think most of us gathered that during the Spring Game and updates from Mose.

 

[Blazer_Mullet_Man]

Depth and diversity of skill define the linebackers corps, Oregon's best defensive unit heading into 2014.

Last season's leaders Derrick Malone and Tony Washington return to handle their own unique responsibilities. At weak-side linebacker, Malone was the Ducks' primary run-stopper and leading overall tackler. Meanwhile, Washington brought pressure off the edge from the drop-end position to lead the Ducks both in tackles for loss and sacks.

Combined with middle linebacker Rodney Hardrick, the Ducks have a solid foundation of veteran returners at linebacker and no shortage of potential difference-makers backing them.

Reserves Rahim Cassell and Joe Walker both saw substantial playing time in 2013, registering 32 and 37 tackles respectively. Cassell also forced a fumble and had two quarterback hurries.

At the SAM position, defensive coordinator Don Pellum has options. Oshay Dunmore is likely to see action, but Tyson Coleman and Torrodney Prevot may have the inside track on the starting job. Prevot has the look of a breakout star.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...review-of-oregon-footballs-2014-roster/page/8

 

[STOMP]

going strictly on number of starters returning, Belcher's Rebelch is correct in rating the LBs as the D's top unit. I'm hoping for the best and all, but that unit was the weakest link last season. Experience does matter, but I need to see giant strides from Hardrick & Walker especially (or Mattingly emerge) before real belief in this squad's potential forms

not to contradict the always excellent Rebelch, but underclassman Cassell, Dunmore & Robinson all left or were dismissed so experienced depth isn't really a strong point

STOMP

 

[Sinobas]

Look forward to a year of being run over roughshod. The offense will still be fun, but we'll have a hard time completing with this defense. IF only we could bring back the D from a few years ago. I seriously think this will be the Ducks last year, being in the "elite" picture. After we lose Mariota.....

 

[Blazer_Mullet_Man]

Many fans said the same thing when Fouts left, when O'neil left, when Harrington left, when Fife left, when Masoli left...

This is a system. Sometimes the system rebuilds.

 

[Sinobas]

Many fans said the same thing when Fouts left, when O'neil left, when Harrington left, when Fife left, when Masoli left...

This is a system. Sometimes the system rebuilds.

The Ducks program has been good for a long time, and will probably continue to be good, but not competing for a national title. Our offense was once a novelty and is now becoming a standard...