Oregon Ducks ‘Football Player’ Johnathan Loyd Talks Challenges and Opportunity With New Team

Mar 8, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Johnathan Loyd (10) reacts to a three point shot against the Arizona Wildcats at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time since joining the Oregon Football team several weeks ago former Oregon Point Guard Johnathan Loyd had his first opportunity to speak with the media about his transitioning experience from one sport to another. The 5 foot 8 Loyd has already practiced with the second team punt returners and wide receivers this spring.

"I’m not coming on the team just to sit on the bench and cheerlead, I’m definitely trying to go as hard as I can and try to contribute to the team.Johnathan Loyd on playing for Oregon Football this Fall."

Loyd did admit that the transition was not as easy as it may have seemed(he did play some football in high school as punt returner). Oregon Quarterback Marcus Mariota had positive things to say about the former Oregon Basketball player joining the team.

"He’s got good hands, that dude can really just catch the ball and he’s pretty nice with it after the catch, He’s able to get some yards. No matter what that dude’s an athlete.Oregon Quarterback Marcus Mariota is impressed with what he has seen from Johnathan Loyd in practice"

The addition of Loyd becomes more intriguing now that Wide Receiver Bralon Addison is out with a torn ACL. It will be interesting to see if the leader on the basketball court can turn into a leader on the football field when it counts this fall. There have been some growing pains in the first series of football practices with the football program, including a twisted ankle and several hard hits from the Defense.

It will be nice to see him on the field in the Spring Game showing off the skills he has picked up in a short amount of time. Oregon takes the field at Autzen Stadium on May 3rd at 11am PT. The game will be broadcast on the Pac-12 Networks.

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