Long time, no post, ATQers. I've been on a bit of an unannounced hiatus for a little R&R before starting a new job. Anyway, glad to be back. Here's your Wednesday Morning Quack Fix:
- Four-star quarterback Jerrard Randall, who originally verbally committed to the Ducks, but then sent in his LOI to Iowa Western Community College last week, may in fact still join the Ducks in time for the 2011 season. According to his high school coach, Randall needs a higher ACT score, but it's still a possibility.
- Speaking of recruiting, ESPN.com's Ted Miller had an interesting piece on the state(s) of West Coast recruiting...literally. Not surprisingly, Texas produces more FBS football players than any other state. On the flip side, Florida produces the highest ratio of FBS players to total high school football players in the state. (1 out of every 111!) That ratio, much like the yards/play defensive metric, seems to tell a much more accurate story. Anyway, guess who leads the Pac-12 in the same metric? Utah! The mighty State of Oregon, on the other hand, comes in last place with just 1 out of every 1,214. Sure makes me question whether I should be channeling my inner Al Bundy and bragging up my high school football accomplishments. Apparently I was playing against far lesser competition.
- Miller also had a nice write-up on the Pac-12's attendance numbers. Oregon led the conference in percentage of seats filled with 110%, one of only two schools (again, Utah shoots and scores!) averaging more than 100% of capacity. Stanford, despite a banner year, nearly came in last place. Can't say I'm surprised after learning they couldn't sell out a top-15 match-up with Arizona midway through the year. That fact makes me a lot less anxious about our trip to the Farm this fall.
- Do you play fantasy college football? If so, check out Phil Steele's early edition of the top players for 2011. Quite a few Ducks near the top of his rankings, which are broken down by position.
- In other news, both Jeremy Jacob and Johnathan Loyd sat out of the Ducks' practice yesterday, however, both are expected to play against UCLA tomorrow. Both will be needed if the Ducks want to continue their impressive run in L.A. this weekend.
As always, leave any relevant links or comments below.
GO DUCKS!