Lockie Caps Consistent Month With Perfect Spring Game
By Rob Moseley
Editor, GoDucks.com
Jeff Lockie went 3-for-3 this spring.
Oregon’s most veteran quarterback moved the ball most consistently in each of the Ducks’ two scrimmages this spring prior to Saturday. In front of 35,808 in Autzen Stadium for the Spring Game, Lockie did it again, seemingly cementing his status as the leading candidate to replace departed Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota entering the summer.
Lockie went 9-of-9 for 223 yards and three touchdowns in the Spring Game, and also ran twice for 16 yards. The four other quarterbacks combined to match Lockie’s touchdown total, though Lockie himself isn’t taking anything for granted, especially with transfer Vernon Adams expected to arrive prior to the start of preseason camp.
“We still have a bunch of guys here that can play, and we’re going to have one more in the fall,” said Lockie, who led his Team Pathway to a 35-29 win over Team Oregon on Saturday. “I’m just going to go out and compete the best I can.”
Lockie’s day began with a bang, as he took a flea flicker and found Byron Marshall down the field for a 50-yard gain. Had Lockie led Marshall a little more, it might have been a touchdown; Mariota was on hand Saturday, and later he needled his good friend Lockie about the underthrown ball.
Lockie capped that drive with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Royce Freeman, and later completed short passes that Charles Nelson parlayed into touchdown receptions of 52 and 46 yards.
“We didn’t get a chance to stretch the field as much as I may have wanted, but that’s what happens when you can throw it five yards to a guy like Charles and see him take it for 50,” Lockie said. “I can’t complain. We were getting into the end zone, the way I wanted to, so I was happy with that.”
Saturday’s spring game was a microcosm of the last month for Oregon’s quarterbacks. Morgan Mahalak, Taylor Alie, Ty Griffin and Travis Jonsen all had their moments, but Lockie moved the offense most consistently.
“Jeff’s had a great spring,” offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Scott Frost said. “He does exactly what I hoped for, which is to be a leader and take control. I like the way he operates.”
Lockie’s self-effacing demeanor was on display postgame, when he was asked about going a perfect 9-for-9 passing. “Sometimes that’s just kind of the way it goes, whether it be the plays called or how it works out,” he said.
The performance was typical, however, of a player who prides himself on making smart decisions and not turning it over. Those skills were on full display Saturday, and perhaps come fall as well.
