Football Practice Report: Aug. 29
By Andy McNamara
GoDucks.com
Venue: Outdoor practice fields
Format: Shells
Two days removed from the formal end of preseason camp, the Ducks began their first game week prep of the season, with what head coach Mark Helfrich referred to as a "bonus Monday" ahead of the Sept. 5 season opener vs. Eastern Washington at Autzen Stadium. It was also the first practice of summer/fall to feature a scout team, following yesterday's depth chart release.
Helfrich was generally pleased with Saturday's effort and took the opportunity during his post practcie address to emphasize how important everyone's role is, whether they are in line to redshirt, on the scout team or part of the two-deep.
"Some of you may not be happy with the role you've been asked to play, and that's okay, that's good," Helfrich said. "But now, how do you handle it? I know if I'm a scout team receiver, I'm going to work my tail off to be the best scout team receiver in the universe, because it makes us better."
After working primarily with the twos for the bulk of preseason camp, Vernon Adams was exclusively with the first team after being named atop the quarterback depth chart on Friday. Most impressive was the pace the senior transfer had the ones working at during 11-on-11 reps against the scout team. Oregon's trademark tempo was evident as he directed the offense, whether feeding Royce Freeman for nice gains inside the tackles or finding Evan Baylis on a deep sideline route for six.
The No. 1 defense made several nice stops during its second scout period, with Joe Walker and Rodney Hardrick stuffing runs for loss or minimal gain on multiple occasions. T.J. Daniel and Johnny Ragin III corralled a fumble in the backfield when the twos were in against the scouts.
Other highlights: Adams had a nice hookup with Devon Allen on a deep ball during an early 4-on-3 period. … Bralon Addison had a rough sequence during 7-on as a perfectly thrown Jeff Lockie pass went off his fingertips in the end zone, followed by an Adams pass that richoceted off his chest and into the arms of defender Torrodney Prevot for what would have been a "pick-6". Addison responded on the next rep by hauling in a high pass for an 8-yard gain on a 2nd and long situation. … Addison later flashed glimpses of his 2013 punt-returning self, navigating traffic on a full-speed return drill before breaking free with only the punter left between him and the end zone. …
Tony Brooks-James hauled in a Lockie pass for a long gain during the final 11-on-11 period of the day. … Adams showed off his legs on the read option during the same period, picking up a first down on 2nd and 5. … Adams also scrambled long enough to buy time for Byron Marshall to get open down the sideline before delivering a strike while on the run.
Other observations: Notable non-scouts included senior WR Zac Schuller, junior TE Jake McCreath and true freshman OL Jake Hanson. Helfrich did note during post practice interviews that his preference at this point is to redshirt Hanson. … Offensive line coach Steve Greatwood organized a team photo at the end of practice to support former Duck Jason Nikolao's four-year-old son Justus, who is currently battling viral encephalitis at a Portland Children's hospital.
GoDucks.com
Venue: Outdoor practice fields
Format: Shells
Two days removed from the formal end of preseason camp, the Ducks began their first game week prep of the season, with what head coach Mark Helfrich referred to as a "bonus Monday" ahead of the Sept. 5 season opener vs. Eastern Washington at Autzen Stadium. It was also the first practice of summer/fall to feature a scout team, following yesterday's depth chart release.
Helfrich was generally pleased with Saturday's effort and took the opportunity during his post practcie address to emphasize how important everyone's role is, whether they are in line to redshirt, on the scout team or part of the two-deep.
"Some of you may not be happy with the role you've been asked to play, and that's okay, that's good," Helfrich said. "But now, how do you handle it? I know if I'm a scout team receiver, I'm going to work my tail off to be the best scout team receiver in the universe, because it makes us better."
After working primarily with the twos for the bulk of preseason camp, Vernon Adams was exclusively with the first team after being named atop the quarterback depth chart on Friday. Most impressive was the pace the senior transfer had the ones working at during 11-on-11 reps against the scout team. Oregon's trademark tempo was evident as he directed the offense, whether feeding Royce Freeman for nice gains inside the tackles or finding Evan Baylis on a deep sideline route for six.
The No. 1 defense made several nice stops during its second scout period, with Joe Walker and Rodney Hardrick stuffing runs for loss or minimal gain on multiple occasions. T.J. Daniel and Johnny Ragin III corralled a fumble in the backfield when the twos were in against the scouts.
Other highlights: Adams had a nice hookup with Devon Allen on a deep ball during an early 4-on-3 period. … Bralon Addison had a rough sequence during 7-on as a perfectly thrown Jeff Lockie pass went off his fingertips in the end zone, followed by an Adams pass that richoceted off his chest and into the arms of defender Torrodney Prevot for what would have been a "pick-6". Addison responded on the next rep by hauling in a high pass for an 8-yard gain on a 2nd and long situation. … Addison later flashed glimpses of his 2013 punt-returning self, navigating traffic on a full-speed return drill before breaking free with only the punter left between him and the end zone. …
Tony Brooks-James hauled in a Lockie pass for a long gain during the final 11-on-11 period of the day. … Adams showed off his legs on the read option during the same period, picking up a first down on 2nd and 5. … Adams also scrambled long enough to buy time for Byron Marshall to get open down the sideline before delivering a strike while on the run.
Other observations: Notable non-scouts included senior WR Zac Schuller, junior TE Jake McCreath and true freshman OL Jake Hanson. Helfrich did note during post practice interviews that his preference at this point is to redshirt Hanson. … Offensive line coach Steve Greatwood organized a team photo at the end of practice to support former Duck Jason Nikolao's four-year-old son Justus, who is currently battling viral encephalitis at a Portland Children's hospital.
