Athlon Sports: Pac-12 Coaches Talk About The Oregon Ducks
Coaches in the Pac-12 do plenty of talking, but recently Athlon Sports broke down what Pac-12 Cpaches had to say about the Oregon Ducks.
More from Autzen Zoo
- Oregon football: Ducks and Coach Prime playing it cordial leading up to Saturday
- Oregon Basketball: Non-conference slate features Michigan coming to Eugene
- Oregon football: Ducks find complete game effort in win vs Hawaii
- Oregon Ducks must get run game going against Hawaii
- 8 Pac-12 teams represented in Associated Press Top 25 after Week 2
When it comes to conversations about other teams, it may be difficult too decipher who said what. Athlon Sports recently took a look at what opposing coaches were saying in the Pac-12 Conference. The conversation is base off of scouting reports on the teams and for Mark Helfrich and Company there is one area that stands out like a sore thumb.
The Quarterback position, for the second year in a row, will be run by a one and done player in Dakota Prukop who transferred from Montana State. One coach pointed out a big problem with Oregon, “Relying on transfers from (FCS) is a pretty glaring problem for a program that has been really successful. Like, really, you can’t get a big-time quarterback at Oregon?.”
While I agree with the assessment, in part, the Quarterback of the Future is in the fold, but needs development time. My best guess is that Travis Jonsen will be the guy. He will likely see mop up time in 2016 and take the helm in 2017 for three consecutive seasons(one would hope.)
As far as the other positions on Offense, everyone is aware of Royce Freeman, as well as the speed at Wide Receiver that the Oregon Ducks have almost patented over the last ten years or so, “Their skill guys are legit. Royce Freeman is a tank, and they’ve always got a bunch of track stars at receiver”
On the Defensive side of the ball, Brady Hoke brings in a new style and should help the team turn the page on last season and giving up an average 28+ points per game with a shift to the 4-3 Defense.
"They’ve been a 3-4 team the last few years, but Brady Hoke is going to run the 4-3 so that’ll be a difference.Pac-12 Coaches Discuss Oregon Entering the 2016 Season(via Athlon Sports)"
Regardless of what opposing coaches think about Oregon, the preparation for the upcoming season begins in full force on Monday, August 8th with the start of Fall Camp. The first game for the Oregon Ducks is set for Saturday, September 3rd against UC Davis at Autzen Stadium. (2pm Pacific Time, Pac-12 Networks)