Holding Pattern

Some have considered the coaching situation in Eugene to be a holding pattern but it hasn't stopped the Ducks from trying to recruit the big name players.

Rudy Videos

Here is a link with tons of Rudy videos to prepare everyone for the upcoming dunk contest. Thanks Brian.

Pick Me

Thanks for finding this Myron...

Senior Bowl

For those with a scout account Jeremiah Johnson was one player that was believed to help his draft stock in the senior bowl. JJ was the number one player listed though the numbers may not have meant anything.

Cream of the Crop

Take a look at this years Cream of the Crop, a list of the Bay Area's top 20 players based on their college potential, not for high school accomplishments. Currently there are 3 Oregon recruits and possibly 1 more depending how the Diante Jackson situation ends up.

In other recruiting news one of the nation's top cover corners, Cliff Harris, committed to Oregon yesterday. Here is some more info on his commitment and some coaching developments.

'08 Oregon Football Video

Here is a great video of 2008 Oregon Football by Pushplay Productions. Thanks Brian.

More Preseason Rankings

Here are two more preseason rankings. CBSSports.com ranks the Ducks at #6 to start the season while SI's Stewart Mandel ranks Oregon at #9.

Another Preseason Poll

With the Ducks coming in at #4. While this is great, I hope we are not getting too ahead of ourselves...

Boyd to Decide Soon

According to this article, Tajh Boyd, the nations 4th quarterback, will likely decide as early as Friday to what school he will attend. It comes down to Clemson, Ohio State and Oregon.

Byrd Flys Away

Jairus Byrd did not use his window to pull out of the NFL draft and will forgo his senior year at Oregon. Looks like the Ducks will need to replace both Byrd and Chung in the backfield now.

New RB Recruit for 2010

Ethan Grant from Coconut Creek, Florida is now listed an Oregon commit for the 2010 class. Ethan is 5-9, 170 and is said to have recorded several sub 4.3 40 yard dashes. In one article it says he is one of the fastest players in the state regardless of class. Ethan was already being recruited by UCLA, Florida, Florida State and West Virginia. This now makes 2 solid recruits for the 2010 class. Looks like the Ducks may have LaMichael James' eventual successor... He looks pretty solid here.

Rudy in Dunk Contest

According to Jason Quick at the Oregonian, Rudy Fernandez won the fan vote to be the 4th contestant in the NBA Dunk Contest. Rudy will be up against Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson and Rudy Gay. A formal announcement will be made today at 12:30.

Coaching Continuity

ESPN's Mark Schlabach released a good article on coaching continuity/transitions. I begins discussing how Rich Brooks made sure the Oregon program was in good hands by asking that Mike Bellotti was handed the power. Now Oregon's done it again... at least named a successor. A program who is know for being inovative and original sure has done a lot of the right things in the past decade+ and it's good to see Oregon getting attention for more than our flashy offense and uniforms.

Bayless Impresses

Jerryd Bayless impressed last night in the Blazer's win over the New Jersey Nets with a carreer record 6 for 9 and 11 for 11 from the line for 23 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Especially his huge dunk shown below.

Typical Petey

Picture taken from the LA Times

Picture above really says it all, doesn't it? Pete Carroll always seems to have a hissy fit when things don't go his way. Especially when his star quarterback, Mark Sanchez, opts for the draft early, despite his disapproval. Just solidifies my thoughts that Pete's mom and dad gave him every little thing he wanted when he had a temper tantrum. You know what Pete? F#$% You too. To quote the Rolling Stones: "You can't always get what you want."

Preseason Poll... Already?!?

According to this Boulder, Colorado paper the Daily Camera, Ducks rank 5th in their preseason top 5. 2 Pac-10 teams in that top 5.

Masoli For Heisman?!?

Andy McNamara started an interesting ball rolling regarding Jeremiah Masoli... Masoli for Heisman? While I believe that Masoli has come a long way in 4 months it's interesting to watch this thought spread through Moseley and Miller. I do like how the the Athletic Department approached this idea... On a blog. It's a very informal way of saying "we have this guy who has taken some amazing strides... watch him in the future" without spending huge dollars posting a huge billboard in New York or something equally extravagant. We'll see how this plays out the first few games of '09.

Byrd Enters Draft

Jairus Byrd submitted his paperwork for the NFL draft pool. If he chooses to stay, like Patrick Chung did a year before him, he has 72 hours from 12:01 Tomorrow (Friday the 16th).

Scout 300

The New Scout 300 was released recently. Look at some of Oregon's prospects/commits (and especially who winds up at #1 on both lists now)

• #1 - RB Bryce Brown - Considered a soft verbal to Miami and a slight lean to Oregon. Potentially might visit USC now. Might wait until after signing day now. Was All-American Co-Player of the Game with Tajh Boyd.
  
• #23 - QB Tajh Boyd - Considered an Oregon lean and it's between Oregon and Ohio State. Sounds like he might visit Clemson this weekend. Was All-American Co-Player of the Game with Bryce Brown.
  
• #52 - CB Cliff Harris - Considered an Oregon lean but grades may be an issue.
• #62 - DE Sam Montgomery - Said to be visiting Oregon on Jan. 30th.
  
• #77 - OG Michael Philip - Says he is serious about all 6 school and will decide close to signing day. Has his last visit to Oregon State this weekend.
  
• #156 - MLB Boseko Lokombo - Oregon Commit.
  
• #221 - WR Adam Hall - Will be in Eugene this weekend.
  
• #280 - WLB Michael Clay - Oregon Commit.
  
• #289 - WR Diante Jackson - Originally committed to Oregon but changed to Colorado. It is still up in the air if he will wind up in Eugene.
  

There are a few other prospects that were listed as interested but no visits were currently arranged or made so it's highly unlikely.

Post Season Games

The Ducks have good representation at both the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game. Patrick Chung, Jeremiah Johnson and Max Unger will be in Mobile, Alabama on January 24th for the Senior Bowl while Ra'Shon Harris, Nick Reed and Fenuki Tupou will be in Houston, Texas this Saturday for the East-West Shrine Game.

• The East-West Shrine Game will be on ESPN 2 at 1pm PST this Saturday (January 17th).
• The Senior Bowl will be on the NFL Network at 4pm PST January 24th.

Recruiting Update

Rob Moseley did a wonderful job here breaking down some of Oregon's current commits and some of their prospects.

Looking Ahead

Wide receiver Jeremy Childs, a junior from Boise State who had 5 receptions for 102 yards versus Oregon in 2008, will forgo his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Utah's cornerback Sean Smith and defensive end Paul Kruger will also both pass up their final season(s) of eligibility to enter the draft in April.

High Five

If Ryan Seacrest wasn't (unintentionally) funny enough ("Seacrest... Out"), he recently tried to give a blind man a high five.

Rivals 100

The new Rivals 100 was released today and look who tops the list at #1... Bryce Brown, who is now listed as a soft verbal to Miami. Other Oregon recruits on the list are Cliff Harris at #41 who is considered an Oregon lean as long as he can get his grades together, Tajh Boyd at #51 who has stated it's between Oregon & Ohio State, and Michael Philipp at #66.

New Commits

Ducks picked up Linebackers Michael Clay (4* on Scout & 3* on Rivals) and JC Bryson Littlejohn (3* on Scout & 4* on Rivals) today. With Littlejohn, that makes 6 JC guys this year and gives me more hope that Bellotti might stay one more year, despite rumors that he may leave sometime after signing day and before spring ball.

Coaching Development

According to Moseley, Former Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin will be talking with Bellotti and Kelly at the coaches convention in Nashville about one of the job openings. The interesting note Moseley adds at the bottom is that Martin was also retained by Tajh Boyd's family to help him through the recruiting process.

ENCORE!!!

So I've heard rumors that Bellotti may be stepping down this year. Moseley doesn't seem to think so but... Yes, there have been rumblings outside of the few articles and all I want to say is... Encore!!!

Bellotti...

• the last 2 years you've had 2 top 25 recruiting classes (2007 and 2008).


• The Ducks have a legitimate qb in Jeremiah Masoli (with Costa and Roper as very capable backups... Hopefully redshirting Thomas)


• A proven hard-nose running back in LaGarrette Blount and two shifty backs in Andre Crenshaw and Remene Alston.


• Another promising running back in LaMichael James (although I realize most of you Duck fans haven't seen him yet).


• Aaron Pflugrad and Jeff Maehl will be back at WR


• Wide receivers Drew Davis and Jamere Holland have yet to get started


• Wide receiver Garrett Embry hasn't even played yet... Not to mention Chris Harper if they keep him at WR.


• Linebackers Casey Matthews, Spencer Paysinger and Eddie Pleasant will likely be starting next year. Among other well respected backups.


• While both lines will need some work, 5 star defensive tackle Justin Thompson will finally be on board in January among a few other new talented players on the offensive and defensive lines.


• A secondary that is most likely returning 3 of 4. Jarius Byrd, Walter Thurmond III and TJ Ward. The ducks will still have Willie Glasper (ok, the only video I could find was him playing rock/paper/scissors with Chung), Kenjon Barner, John Boyett, Talmadge Jackson III, Scott Grady and others still returning.


• One of the best tight-ends in the nation, Ed Dickson, is returning with backups Malachi Lewis and Georgia transfer NaDerris Ward.
• Morgan Flint and Daniel Padilla will both be back at kicker and Tim Taylor at punter. Plus the Ducks staff has one of the top rated kickers and top rated punters committed to sign in February.
• While some were mentioned above, this doesn't take into account most of the yet to be signed recruiting class and many of the potential Ducks the staff may pick up in the coming month.
• After all that I was reminded the Duck's schedule is about as perfect as it can be to setup a run. Toughest away game being Boise State and Utah, ASU, Cal, USC & OSU all at home.
• Plus, Chip Kelly, one of the most brilliant minds in college football, will be calling plays if you decide to stick around.

One word Bellotti, one word... Encore!