Football Practice Report: Aug. 6
08/06/19 | Football, @GoDucksMoseley
The Ducks got back to work Tuesday after their first day off from practice this preseason, and now look forward to the first preseason practice in full pads Wednesday.
Venue: Outdoor practice fields
Format: Shells
The unfortunate reality of the physical toll football takes was reinforced for the Oregon football team over the last 48 hours, in which senior receiver Brenden Schooler was sidelined long-term due to a foot issue.
Schooler was injured during the Ducks' practice Sunday evening. The injury was serious enough that he underwent surgery Monday, UO coach Mario Cristobal said, sidelining the first-string wideout for several weeks.
"It'll probably be six weeks optimistically, eight weeks realistically," Cristobal said.
Schooler opened preseason camp last week with the first-team offense at wideout, with graduate transfer Juwan Johnson (above) on the other side of the formation and junior Jaylon Redd – the Ducks' top returning receiver – in the slot. On Tuesday, Johnny Johnson III stepped into Schooler's spot with the first unit.
Redshirt freshman Bryan Addison was on the second unit with true freshmen Mycah Pittman and Josh Delgado (below). Addison was one of the most consistent pass catchers in drills Tuesday, and Pittman has been a regular standout since camp began last week.
"We feel strong about the way that position has developed," Cristobal said. "People are going to push because of the way they're playing, and the opportunity that has presented itself with an injury."
That said, Schooler will be missed, not only for his production but for his leadership. Three years ago, when the Ducks struggled through a 4-8 season, Schooler – then a true freshman safety – was one of the most vocal proponents for a culture change in the locker room. He helped enact that change in the ensuing seasons, setting Oregon up for a Pac-12 Championship bid this fall.
Along with his offensive production, Schooler has been one of the best special teams players in the Pac-12 the last three years. He's fearless in kick coverage, and was in the mix to return punts late last season.
Cristobal said he expects Schooler to remain an impact voice with his teammates, particularly given all the youth at the receiver position.
"His leadership will be needed; his mentorship in that room will be needed," Cristobal said. "It's a tough one to take because of what he means to this team."
Practice highlights: The Ducks will be in full pads for the first time Wednesday, and it appeared near the end of Tuesday's practice that they were ready to do some hitting. In the final 11-on-11 period, Juwan Johnson caught a short pass, lowered his shoulder and sent a safety spinning to the ground. Moments later, a running back was trying to haul in a pass that had been tipped at the line, but true freshman safety Jamal Hill came up to the line and blasted the back as the ball was fluttering down into his arms. Like Pittman on offense, Hill is a true freshman who continues to command the spotlight on defense. …
Thomas Graham Jr. and Deommodore Lenoir both had pass breakups in 1-on-1 drills in which the receiver appeared to have secured the ball, but the defenders stayed with the plays and punched the ball out. … In the first 11-on11 period, nickel Sean Killpatrick came up to the line and made a tackle for loss, but on the next play Jayvaun Wilson burst through an arm tackle for positive yardage. … In pass-rush drills, Austin Faoliu put a starting offensive lineman on his back with a bull rush. Steven Jones locked up a freshman defensive end, and Jonah Tauanu'u knocked a fellow freshman to the ground.
Other observations: The soundtrack for pre-practice stretch is usually lost on me, but we heard "Kickstart My Heart" over the weekend and then "Ace of Spades" this morning. Jevon Holland got into the spirit of the thing with some air guitar while waiting in line to stretch. … During kickoff return drills, true freshman Ge'mon Eaford was in the mix for a spot on the return team as a blocker. … Drayton Carlberg suffered an ankle injury, Cristobal said, but it isn't expected to sideline him long-term.
Post-practice interviews:
Head coach Mario Cristobal
Senior linebacker La'Mar Winston Jr.
Sophomore safety Jevon Holland
