Photo by: Eric Evans/GoDucks.com
Preseason Camp Preview: QB
07/18/17 | Football, @GoDucksMoseley
Justin Herbert gives Oregon a returning starter at quarterback for the first time since 2014, while the Ducks will look for depth to emerge in August.
Assessing where things stand for the Oregon football team entering the start of preseason camp July 31.
QUARTERBACK
Who's back: For the second year in a row, the Ducks open preseason camp with just one player boasting significant experience as an FBS quarterback. In 2015 and 2016, that cleared the way for an FCS transfer to win the starting job. But while the position entering 2017 isn't without question marks — depth isn't a strength — Oregon has stability at quarterback for the first time since the Marcus Mariota era, with the return of sophomore Justin Herbert. The Eugene native started the final seven games of 2016, taking some lumps but also tying school records for single-game passing yards (489) and touchdown passes (six), and leading a dramatic comeback on the road at Utah. The new coaching staff didn't want to simply anoint Herbert the starter during spring drills, but he took the majority of first-team reps before throwing for 327 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover in the spring game.
Who's new: With fifth-year walk-on Taylor Alie the only other veteran back, the depth chart is rounded out by true freshman Braxton Burmeister, who enrolled in time to participate in spring drills. For the first week of April, coaches mostly lauded Burmeister for his attention to the playbook — partly because he was indeed studying Oregon's schemes intently, but also because he didn't have as many chances to shine in practice as the veterans. But after Terry Wilson Jr. announced his intention to transfer, Burmeister got more reps, and took advantage. He may be the best athlete of the current Oregon QB crop, and he's got a strong arm as well.
ROB'S TAKE
Projected depth chart
QB: Justin Herbert, So.; Braxton Burmeister, Fr.; Taylor Alie, Sr.
What to watch: The big question mark, given decisions to transfer by Wilson and Travis Jonsen, is depth; will Burmeister and/or Alie perform well enough in August to ease concerns about where the Ducks would be in the absence of Herbert? As for the No. 1 job at the start of camp, though, it's in good hands. Herbert is big, smart and athletic, and the experience he gained in 2016 — both the highs and the lows — will benefit him immensely. He's never going to be a Joey Harrington-type rah-rah leader on the sideline, but neither was Mariota, and new UO coach Willie Taggart continues to try and coax more vocal leadership out of the reticent Herbert. It's easier to teach that than size, maturity and athleticism, though, and Herbert has those in spades.
Looking for season tickets or to attend a game or two? Great seats are still available. CLICK HERE to #DoSomething.
QUARTERBACK
Who's back: For the second year in a row, the Ducks open preseason camp with just one player boasting significant experience as an FBS quarterback. In 2015 and 2016, that cleared the way for an FCS transfer to win the starting job. But while the position entering 2017 isn't without question marks — depth isn't a strength — Oregon has stability at quarterback for the first time since the Marcus Mariota era, with the return of sophomore Justin Herbert. The Eugene native started the final seven games of 2016, taking some lumps but also tying school records for single-game passing yards (489) and touchdown passes (six), and leading a dramatic comeback on the road at Utah. The new coaching staff didn't want to simply anoint Herbert the starter during spring drills, but he took the majority of first-team reps before throwing for 327 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover in the spring game.
Who's new: With fifth-year walk-on Taylor Alie the only other veteran back, the depth chart is rounded out by true freshman Braxton Burmeister, who enrolled in time to participate in spring drills. For the first week of April, coaches mostly lauded Burmeister for his attention to the playbook — partly because he was indeed studying Oregon's schemes intently, but also because he didn't have as many chances to shine in practice as the veterans. But after Terry Wilson Jr. announced his intention to transfer, Burmeister got more reps, and took advantage. He may be the best athlete of the current Oregon QB crop, and he's got a strong arm as well.
ROB'S TAKE
Projected depth chart
QB: Justin Herbert, So.; Braxton Burmeister, Fr.; Taylor Alie, Sr.
What to watch: The big question mark, given decisions to transfer by Wilson and Travis Jonsen, is depth; will Burmeister and/or Alie perform well enough in August to ease concerns about where the Ducks would be in the absence of Herbert? As for the No. 1 job at the start of camp, though, it's in good hands. Herbert is big, smart and athletic, and the experience he gained in 2016 — both the highs and the lows — will benefit him immensely. He's never going to be a Joey Harrington-type rah-rah leader on the sideline, but neither was Mariota, and new UO coach Willie Taggart continues to try and coax more vocal leadership out of the reticent Herbert. It's easier to teach that than size, maturity and athleticism, though, and Herbert has those in spades.
Looking for season tickets or to attend a game or two? Great seats are still available. CLICK HERE to #DoSomething.
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