Photo by: Rob Moseley/GoDucks.com
Football Practice Report: Dec. 17
12/17/18 | Football, @GoDucksMoseley
The Ducks capped their first series of Redbox Bowl practices with a walk-through Monday that saw some veterans working back into the mix.
Venue: Moshofsky Center
Format: Fast Friday
The Ducks wrapped up their first four-practice segment of Redbox Bowl workouts Monday. The sequence of workouts was similar to that of a practice week in the regular season, and so it was capped by a "Fast Friday" walk-through — a Friday on a Monday, as it were.
That meant the morning began with a 10-minute scrimmage period for the scout-team players, followed by a walk-through for the travel squad. And during that walk-through, co-defensive coordinator Joe Salave'a found himself doing a double-take, when he saw a linebacker in jersey No. 39 out there on defense.
That would be senior Kaulana Apelu, who missed the final month of the regular season with a leg injury. His status for the Redbox Bowl remains to be determined, but Apelu is doing all he can to get himself ready in case he can play.
"That's a kid that's really devoted to the program and trying everything he can to speed the recovery process," Salave'a said. "It was good to see him out there."
Apelu is one of a couple UO veterans looking to return from injury in the New Year's Eve bowl game against Michigan State (noon, FOX). Defensive end Jalen Jelks missed the Civil War, and though his draft stock is already high, Jelks said he too intends to return for his final appearance in an Oregon uniform in two weeks.
"That's a tribute to Jalen," Salave'a said. "Jalen has done a lot of things over the years for this program, and it shows his character. … It says a lot about his leadership, and the 'care' factor."
The Ducks now have a full day off Tuesday, before returning with another walk-through Wednesday. That afternoon, Oregon's latest recruiting class will be announced — or at least the bulk of it, at the onset of the new early signing period.
Coaches can still speak with recruits by phone, but the bulk of their recruiting efforts are done. After three weeks on the road visiting recruits, Salave'a and the rest of the staff are focused on the bowl game.
"Now we're full-on in game preparation," Salave'a said. "It's been good to finally get back around our guys, and get back to a normal routine. Guy were flying around (the last four days). It'll be good to have some time with them now."
After Monday's practice, which ended late in the morning, head coach Mario Cristobal urged players to remain focused on bowl preparations before they returned to action Wednesday. The ensuing day and a half would provide a chance to focus on recovery, and doing film study of the Spartans.
"Our guys understand the magnitude of this opportunity," Salave'a said. "We've got so much to prove. And our guys are looking forward to it."
Developmental-squad scrimmage highlights: The offense made a few big plays during the five-possession scrimmage, particularly in the passing game. But ultimately, the defense kept them off the scoreboard. … Nate Heaukulani and Matt Christman each had a couple stout plays against the run, and Miguel Nevarez had a tackle for no gain. … Billy Gibson and Nick Wiebe converged on a receiver to break up a pass. …
Mike Irwin was 4-of-7 passing, and was behind center for three of the five drives. He connected with JJ Tucker for a gain of about 20 yards on the opening possession. Then, on the next drive, Irwin floated a teardrop about 30 yards and Tucker made an over-the-shoulder catch, although he stepped out of bounds just short of the goal line. … Bradley Yaffe and Jack Vecchi connected a couple times when Yaffe was behind center. … Both quarterbacks also pulled the ball on the option and ran a couple times, with Yaffe getting loose for a gain of about 20 yards on his first rep of the scrimmage.
Format: Fast Friday
The Ducks wrapped up their first four-practice segment of Redbox Bowl workouts Monday. The sequence of workouts was similar to that of a practice week in the regular season, and so it was capped by a "Fast Friday" walk-through — a Friday on a Monday, as it were.
That meant the morning began with a 10-minute scrimmage period for the scout-team players, followed by a walk-through for the travel squad. And during that walk-through, co-defensive coordinator Joe Salave'a found himself doing a double-take, when he saw a linebacker in jersey No. 39 out there on defense.
That would be senior Kaulana Apelu, who missed the final month of the regular season with a leg injury. His status for the Redbox Bowl remains to be determined, but Apelu is doing all he can to get himself ready in case he can play.
"That's a kid that's really devoted to the program and trying everything he can to speed the recovery process," Salave'a said. "It was good to see him out there."
Apelu is one of a couple UO veterans looking to return from injury in the New Year's Eve bowl game against Michigan State (noon, FOX). Defensive end Jalen Jelks missed the Civil War, and though his draft stock is already high, Jelks said he too intends to return for his final appearance in an Oregon uniform in two weeks.
"That's a tribute to Jalen," Salave'a said. "Jalen has done a lot of things over the years for this program, and it shows his character. … It says a lot about his leadership, and the 'care' factor."
The Ducks now have a full day off Tuesday, before returning with another walk-through Wednesday. That afternoon, Oregon's latest recruiting class will be announced — or at least the bulk of it, at the onset of the new early signing period.
Coaches can still speak with recruits by phone, but the bulk of their recruiting efforts are done. After three weeks on the road visiting recruits, Salave'a and the rest of the staff are focused on the bowl game.
"Now we're full-on in game preparation," Salave'a said. "It's been good to finally get back around our guys, and get back to a normal routine. Guy were flying around (the last four days). It'll be good to have some time with them now."
After Monday's practice, which ended late in the morning, head coach Mario Cristobal urged players to remain focused on bowl preparations before they returned to action Wednesday. The ensuing day and a half would provide a chance to focus on recovery, and doing film study of the Spartans.
"Our guys understand the magnitude of this opportunity," Salave'a said. "We've got so much to prove. And our guys are looking forward to it."
Developmental-squad scrimmage highlights: The offense made a few big plays during the five-possession scrimmage, particularly in the passing game. But ultimately, the defense kept them off the scoreboard. … Nate Heaukulani and Matt Christman each had a couple stout plays against the run, and Miguel Nevarez had a tackle for no gain. … Billy Gibson and Nick Wiebe converged on a receiver to break up a pass. …
Mike Irwin was 4-of-7 passing, and was behind center for three of the five drives. He connected with JJ Tucker for a gain of about 20 yards on the opening possession. Then, on the next drive, Irwin floated a teardrop about 30 yards and Tucker made an over-the-shoulder catch, although he stepped out of bounds just short of the goal line. … Bradley Yaffe and Jack Vecchi connected a couple times when Yaffe was behind center. … Both quarterbacks also pulled the ball on the option and ran a couple times, with Yaffe getting loose for a gain of about 20 yards on his first rep of the scrimmage.
Players Mentioned
ILB
/ Football
OLB
/ Football
S
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
DE/OLB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
QB
/ FootballDillon Thieneman | Postgame vs Penn State
Sunday, September 28
Bryce Boettcher | Postgame vs Penn State
Sunday, September 28
Dante Moore | Postgame vs Penn State
Sunday, September 28
Dan Lanning | Postgame vs Penn State
Sunday, September 28
