Jan. 3, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA: Oregon Ducks offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich (right) talks with quarterback Marcus Mariota prior to the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2013 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Oregon defeated Kansas State 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday Oregon Quarterback Marcus Mariota caught up with ESPN 1080 the Fan in Portland. He led the Ducks to a Fiesta Bowl victory vs Kansas State last season, and is looking forward to the 2013 season, specifically Stanford. Here is some of what he had to say.

Spring practice has started for Oregon and there doesn’t seem to be much difference between the previous Head Coach Chip Kelly, and Mark Helfrich:

 There hasn’t been much of a difference. For right now I think things have been the same. I’m sure over the course of Spring we’ll see some differences. The team has responded really well. I feel good about where we’re really at right now.

I’m not sure who started the rumor that the Ducks ‘may’ be airing out the ball more this season, but Mariota says he is ready to do what is asked of him:

Coach Frost and Coach Helfrich have developed game plans. Whatever they ask me to do I’m willing to do it.

 The guys are doing an awesome job. DeAnthony(Thomas)has been in there picing up where Kenjon left off.  They’ve learned and all learn as a unit.

On the receiving side of the ball:

 Very exciting, come out and played well. They have done a good job of just coming out and showing what they can do.

Mariota also talked about this upcoming season and how Oregon’s younger players have an opportunity:

 It’s hard to focus on Stanford. It’s always just one day at a time. If we can control what we can control we’ll be able to be ready and prepared when the season starts and looking forward to that Stanford game.

Our youth helps us get through the long haul. You get into a routine with Spring Practice. With the youth we have to get through the practices to get through the long haul.

When it comes to picking up where they left off, Mariota says the culture hasn’t changed:

 We’ll continue to do what we’ve been doing. the culture here hasn’t change. If we can contunue to build off what the culture has given us, we should have good seasons ahead.

In closing Mariota says he’s working on becoming a better Quarterback, and that involves footwork:

I really wanted to focus on my footwork. I’m able to control the pace my feet are moving. It will help me be in good body locations to throw the ball and to be a steady force.

Full interview: Oregon Quarterback Marcus Mariota, ESPN 1080, the Fan

The Ducks will continue practice througout the month with the Oregon Spring game on Saturday, April 27th at Autzen Stadium.

Oregon Ducks This Week:

PK Park, Oregon vs Portland, 03/26/13
KPNWSports

It may not be summer just yet, but the Ducks(19-6) still have to play the games at PK Park. The weather was a little chilly, but at least the sun was out for the just over 1000 fans that watched Oregon take to the field on Tuesday night against the Portand Pilots(8-16). Coach George Horton gave the start to Pitcher Brando Tessar, a little over a year removed from surgery, to shake off some rust. He pitched the first two innings for the Ducks. Midweek games are a good time for pitchers to get a tuneup, and Oregon used nine.

Tessar got it started with two innings, followed by Jordan Spence(2 hits, 1 run), Cole Wiper(1 hit), Sam Johnson, Jared Preistley, Clayton Crum, and Derek Smith held the Pilots hitless from the 3rd to the 6th. Darrell Hunter gave up a hit and Garrett Cleavenger closed it out for his second save on the season. Hunter picked up the win.

Offensively it took Oregon a few inning to break through, but when they did in the bottom of the seventh it was big. Mitchell Tollman hit a three run double giving the Ducks a 4-1 lead. Tyler Baumgarner and Brett Graham both went 2-4 and helped the Ducks to 10 hits for the game.

The Ducks begin a three game series with Washington on Thursday night at 6pm at PK Park.

Oregon Ducks This Week:

For more on the Ducks you can follow AutzenZoo on Facebook and Twitter

GoDucks.com

Oregon Baseball is starting the season strong at 7-1. Tuesday night they hosted the Portland Pilots for a one game series. The Ducks used four pitchers and struck out 15, but Portland made things interesting in the bottom of the ninth. Duck Closer, Sophomore Jimmie Sherfy came in with  a runner on first and had the game tying run at the plate. He then struck out the side for the Ducks win and his third save on the season. A good early test for the young man on several watch lists for awards this year.

At the plate the Ducks had key hits from Scott Heineman, Outfielder Brett Thomas and First Baseman Ryon Healy. All three drove in runs for Oregon. The Sacrifice fly came into play in two scoring situations in both the third and fifth innings, but the story for the game was pitching.

Four pitchers, starting with one who was sidelined all last season with an elbow injury, Christian Jones. He made his first start since May 2011 and allowed two hits in three innings while striking out five. Jeff Gold, who last week was hit by a comebacker in Hawaii was back in action and followed Jones. He was equally effective striking out 7 in four innings and getting his first win of 2013. Freshman pitcher Garrett Cleavenger entered for an inning plus striking out two before Closer Jimmie Sherfy closed the door. A 3-1, 15 strikeout performance by the Ducks.

The Ducks hit the road this weekend for a series against a team that Coach George Horton knows all too well, he coached them before becoming a Duck. Oregon heads to Cal State Fullerton for a three game series starting on Friday at 7pm.

Oregon Ducks This Week:

PAC-12 Baseball Weekend Recap (February 25)

For more on the Ducks you can follow AutzenZoo on Facebook and Twitter.

Justin Phillips is Sports Reporter for Newsradio 1120 KPNW in Eugene, Oregon.