Morning Quack Fix: Oregon's running backs tradition, Walter Thurmond works out, and catching up with Patrick Chung

by jtlight on Jul 6, 2009 7:28 AM PDT in Morning Quack Fix

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. I had a wonderful slice of Americana, and lots and lots of food. In Duck news, we're a month away from fall camp, and less than 2 months to opening kickoff. On to today's quack:

DuckTerritory has a good breakdown of Oregon's running back recruiting success over the past 15 years. It really is quite incredible when you look back on it, but Oregon has brought in so many top JC running backs, which has led directly to the rise in national stature. Mike Bellotti was always about balance, and he brought in the guys necessary to achieve that on the offensive side of the ball. It will definitely be exciting over the next few years to see what types of running backs Oregon can pick up throughout the country.
Bob Rickert has some good info on Walter Thurmond III, and his workout last month at Deion Sander's camp in Texas. He looked good, and I really think that he is bound to be even better than he has been this season. After battling injuries last year, he will be healthy, and most likely not have many balls thrown his way.
ESPN blogger, Tim Graham has a profile on "Pat" Chung, and his preparations for the upcoming season. First off, he's known at Pat now (Joey really should have done the same thing when he got to the pros), and he's doing whatever is asked of him by the New England coaching staff. And it looks like his style won't change much from Oregon, as he's looking to lay a hit 24/7.
If you missed it, Nick Daschel over at Buster Sports listed Pete Carroll as the number 1 coach in the Pac-10 over the past 50 years. As much as a lot of people can't stand Carroll, and question how he is above of John McKay, I don't disagree with this. In the Pac-10 Carroll has been the most dominant coach in Pac-10 history, and it's not even coach. In 8 years, he has won 7 Pac-10 titles, and earned the conferences automatic bid to a BCS Bowl 6 times (4 of those were outright victories). This reign is as sickening as it is impressive. Nick has a whole post summing up his series, and some concerns readers have had, so check that out as well.
Lastly, some Pac-10 preview notes. ASU comes in at #51 nationally in the Buster Sports countdown, while coming in #59 in the NYT Quad countdown. And Buster Sports ranks UCLA #55 in the nation.

GO DUCKS!

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Is it just me, or is are the expectations for UCLA by various gurus all over the map?

I'm really tired of it not being football season.

by JConant on Jul 6, 2009 8:58 AM PDT reply actions

No, they are definitely ALL OVER….

I think that middle of the Pac-10 is where they’ll end up.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jul 6, 2009 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions

Off Topic but.....in the Tyrece Gaines video I saw.......

LGB catch a pass out of the backfield. I have not found on any of the boards where someone has commented about this. The video made me think. first off, that Tyrece looks like a baaad man! Dude is ripped out. There’s our physical receiver to replace J Will (and I’ll take a gander he has better hands). But to get to my point, the second thing that all Duck fans should be excited about is the way the LGB looked. He doesn’t look like he has 2 extra pounds of fat on his body anywhere. He looks toned and cut! No belly, no excess weight, just 235 lbs of lean, mean, bronco busting machine is what I saw on that video!!! Though I was never one of the doubters (I figured he would tone down with how hard coaches said he worked last summer) I’m stoked to see him look like he is already in great shape! Go Ducks!!! I can’t wait to see these two running all over that blue turf in 50-some-odd days!

by NICKPAPAGEORGIOTHEDUCK on Jul 6, 2009 11:09 AM PDT reply actions

Gaines is a little shorter, but yeah, he looks like that "go-up-and-get-the-ball" type we've wanted.

I MISS FOOTBALL.

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Good luck in the WNBA, Kamyron!

by qrsouther on Jul 6, 2009 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions

I made mention of Blount looking in shape the other day.

"It’s spelled S-H-U-F-E-L-T-M-E-U-P"

by JShufelt on Jul 6, 2009 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions

You have to like Thurmond in that atmosphere

Good vid, getting no praise for dropping a pick, love it. And he shirt getting destroyed during the workout, BAMF.

Sleeping under an avalanche with Cartman, wake me Sept 3.

by trumpetduck on Jul 6, 2009 12:15 PM PDT reply actions

Walt is the MAN!!! I can not wait to see him play against Boise St!!!! Everyone forgets...

he didn’t play last year. And I dont care if the problems in pass coverage were our safeties last year. Walt is a game changer. He will change this game! Wait and see.

by NICKPAPAGEORGIOTHEDUCK on Jul 6, 2009 11:59 PM PDT reply actions