Oregon Football Practice Recap: Sept. 12
By Rob Moseley
Editor, GoDucks.com
Venue: Autzen Stadium
Format: Fast Friday
At the end of each practice the day before a game, the Ducks huddle at midfield for some final thoughts from Mark Helfrich. Then, the players break for one end zone, loop around the goal post, jog to the other end of the field and do the same, finally returning to meet again at midfield, players only.
Today, the first guy around the goal posts was receiver B.J. Kelley. The redshirt junior has yet to appear in a game so far this season, entering Saturday’s visit from Wyoming (11 a.m. PT, Pac-12 Networks), but he continues to set the pace in practices.
Kelley was named scout-team player of the week on offense last week, and he continues to impress the graduate assistant coaches who run the scout teams in practice. “Show up, go hard,” Kelley said of his mindset in practices. “That’s all.”
Following the injury to Bralon Addison in the spring, Kelley was one of just three returning receivers for the Ducks who made a catch last season. Of the three – Keanon Lowe and Chance Allen are the others – only Lowe played against Michigan State, but Kelley still found a way to make an impact for the UO football team.
“Just come with a positive attitude every day,” Kelley said. “Think about the team and its aspirations, and it’s easy. You love your teammates, you want to see them succeed, and you give them the best look you can to make them better.”
Kelley remains one of the fastest players on the roster, but the development of young players like Devon Allen, Darren Carrington and Charles Nelson has made it tough to crack the depth chart. For now, he’s making the best of things in practices each day.
“Right now I’m just focusing on giving the defense the best look,” Kelley said. “I know the coaches know all about the things I’m good at. They’re not focused on me right now, they’re focused on winning games.”
Scout-team scrimmage highlights: It was a good period for the defense in general, as the offense managed few big plays. Isaac Ava broke up a pass over the middle, and Jordan Kurahara wrapped up a running back at the line of scrimmage. … Morgan Mahalak connected with Chris Tewhill for three completions over the course of the period, and Tony James had a couple runs for gains. … Ty Griffin showed off his considerable speed, rolling out of the pocket and hitting tight end Will Genske for a completion.
