3 Takeaways From First Scrimmage

EUGENE, Ore. – The Oregon football team capped its first full week of preseason camp with its first scrimmage on Saturday night inside Autzen Stadium.

The Ducks were on the field for just over 100 plays that featured redzone work, two-minute drill and other situational. It marked practice No. 8 for Oregon, who will now have an off day on Sunday before returning to practice on Monday.

"I think we attacked it well," said head coach Mario Cristobal. "I think the level of competition in a lot of areas really picked up and guys are making plays. I would say it was better than a typical first scrimmage and we're certainly making the right kind of progress."

Newcomers Make Good First Impression
Even though Oregon had 10 members of its 2019 class here in the spring, Saturday served as the first live showcase for many of the newcomers. With junior Deommodore Lenoir held out, freshman cornerback DJ James got major reps with the first team along with Mykael Wright, who had an interception in the spring game. Wide receiver Mycah Pittman snagged five catches for 65 yards, including a 39-yard catch and run from Tyler Shough. Wideout Josh Delgado earned some praise from head coach Mario Cristobal when meeting with the media following the scrimmage. Delgado twisted his ankle earlier in the week, but was full-go all week. Defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus flashed the ability to get in the backfield with a sack and a tackle for loss.

Wideouts Making Some Plays
Easily two of the biggest highlights from Saturday came from the wide receivers during 1s vs. 1s work. Junior Johnny Johnson III made a terrific catch down the right sideline, snagging a 25-yard rope from Justin Herbert. A few drives later, Herbert connected with redshirt freshman Bryan Addison on a 48-yard pass that resulted in a first down inside the five-yard line. Pittman's aforementioned 39-yard reception came on third down with the second unit.

Defense Forces Turnovers
First-year defensive coordinator Andy Avalos' group put together a solid day that featured three turnovers, including a timely one with the first team offense in the red zone. Halfway through the scrimmage, sophomore Jevon Holland scooped up a fumble inside the 10-yard line that put an end to a promising drive for the offense. The day also featured a pair of interceptions by the defense, which both came during situational work. Sophomore inside linebacker Isaac Slade-Matautia showcased some good hands on a ball thrown over the middle, while Daewood Davis' strong day featured an interception on the offense's very next possession. A wide receiver his first two seasons as a Duck, Davis also had a sack from his corner position.

Notables
Herbert completed seven passes for a total of 134 yards … Sophomore running back Cyrus Habibi-Likio found the end zone from 10 yards out … Habibi-Likio carried it 17 times for over 60 yards and had two catches for 12 yards out of the backfield … Sophomore Travis Dye carried the ball 11 times for 57 yards, including a run from three yards out for a TD during red zone work … Junior Adam Stack connected on a 38-yard field goal to give the first team offense points on its first drive, while freshman Camden Lewis nailed a 35-yard field goal later in the scrimmage … Both Blake Maimone and Stack hit 50-yard punts … They were the only two punts on the day.

Coach Cristobal Post-Practice Interview