First off, a hearty congratulations to keeerrrttt, who just posted his 2000th video! The videos he's posted have been an amazing resource, so thanks for all the hard work! As for today's quack, there were two practices yesterday, and a lot of notes, so let's jump right in:
- LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner were held out of practice while nursing some minor injuries. But this just gave Oregon's youngsters a chance to shine. After some hit and miss performance over the past week, Lache Seastrunk showed why he was one of the nations top recruits this year. On one run, he hopped to the right, and outran Oregon's speedy defense. Williams seems to be making progress as well. Both backs must learn the playbook, but have made very good progress in just a week.
- Oregon had probably their best day of practice for the passing game yesterday as both Nate Costa and Darron Thomas were sharp. Costa got more work with the ones, but Thomas made a great touchdown pass to Lavasier Tuinei that was thrown perfectly to beat the excellent coverage of John Boyett. Blake Cantu also had his best day of the spring, and encouraging development as Oregon is lacking depth at WR.
- Oregon got a good look at it's kickers yesterday, and while he had missed some earlier practice kicks, when the pressure was on, freshman Alejandro Maldonado hit a 38-yard field goal during the offense/defense competition at the end of practice. Rob Beard had a similar opportunity, but missed his 36-yard attempt (though he did hit a 47-yarder at the beginning of practice). While it's only one kick, these situations will be looked at very closely, and make this a very even competition.
- Oregon's annual "fan day" will be held on Saturday, August 28th. So if you need to fill your football fix before the season begins, head on down to the Moshofsky Center and meet some of the players and coaches, and pick up this years Spirit Tee.
- Oregon AD Rob Mullens had his first day of work yesterday, and Bob Clark has a story on him trying to get up to speed as fast as possible. John Hunt also has a piece, complete with video interview. Mullens has been busy early, having just gotten back from the Pac-12 AD meetings, and that won't end anytime soon.
- Oregon baseball made it through the pro signing deadline without major problems. 6 players that were drafted did not sign with their pro teams. Oregon did lose 4 pitchers, though they had signed pro contracts before yesterday. Oregon pitcher Justin LaTempa (who could have applied for medical hardship and possibly played one more year for Oregon) signed a contract with the LA Angels yesterday.
Got anything else to share? Leave it below. GO DUCKS!