Spring is in the air, and we've been busy in the last day. There's so much quack, we had to add a jump, and Dave and Matt both had great posts last night, so check those out. Here's your Wednesday Morning Quack Fix:
- The Oregon football team practiced for the first time in 2010 yesterday, and the first player to enter the Moshofsky Center was none other than Jeremiah Masoli. A day after it was announced the suspended quarterback will remain at Oregon, Masoli took part in the Ducks' first spring workout, appearing at quarterback and slot receiver. The R-G's Rob Moseley has some notes from the ground, as well as his initial spring depth chart.
- There are also videos galore from the first day. Here's the RG's video, which includes comments from Chip Kelly. KVAL also has more comments from Chip Kelly, as well as QB Nate Costa. John Hunt also has some comments on practice, while the Oregonian has some practice video, including shots of Darron Thomas.
- After all the offseason turmoil, the Ducks will be looking for leadership, and it sounds like some players are already stepping up. Center Jordan Holmes, the lone returning captain, thinks that leadership won't be a problem, and that capable players are ready to lead the team.
- Meanwhile, ESPN.com's Ted Miller thinks former tight end Ed Dickson's shoes are bigger to fill than you think.
- Apparently the Ducks aren't the only team in the state of Oregon with issues. The Oregonian's Ken Goe discusses the latest troubles in Corvallis.
- Yesterday, it was the Tom Izzo rumor getting shot down. Today, it's Tubby Smith. The Minnesota head coach, who was rumored to have been offered the Oregon head coaching vacancy, says he has not been contacted by the Ducks. Of course, once a lead ends in a deadend, the rumor mill finds a new target. The latest grumblings involve Pittsburgh's Jamie Dixon, and there may actually be some validity to these rumors. And finally on the rumor front, there's the Twisunderstanding (Twitter misunderstanding) about Oregon freshman Jamil Wilson. Ducks Sports News reported Wilson had tweeted he would not be returning to Oregon next year. But, as it turned out, DSN pulled a Kanye and didn't let Wilson finish. He won't be returning to Oregon ... this week, because he's on Spring Break. Oh, the Internets.
- ESPN.com's Miller goes one-on-one with former Oregon receiver Aaron Pflugrad, who sat out last year after transferring to Arizona State following his dad Robin's departure from his Oregon post as receivers coach. I hope Ducks fans will be rooting for Lil' Pflu down in Tempe—except, of course, when the Ducks play the Sun Devils in September.
- The Oregon softball team's 11-game winning streak is starting to garner some attention. The Ducks climbed to No. 21 on the USA Softball national poll, up four spots from last week's No. 25 ranking. They open the Pac-10 slate tomorrow with a three-game road series in Corvallis against Oregon State.
- Former Oregon defensive tackle Matt Toeaina re-signed with the Chicago Bears yesterday, signing a one-year deal and extending his NFL career to a fourth season. Congratulations to Matt.
- Make sure you check out ESPN 30 for 30 on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. PT, featuring Oregon head women's basketball coach Paul Westhead. And if you don't plan to watch it, at least watch the trailer.
As always, leave any relevant links or comments below. GO DUCKS!