Oregon Football: Early Observations After A Week Of Spring Practice

Oregon Football held their second practice of the Spring inside the Moshofsky Center on Friday.

In the two days I have seen Spring Practice I have been impressed. Head Coach Willie Taggart is walking around like a guy who is in charge. He is watching more than talking allowing his Assistant Coaches to do the work. Friday also saw the return of Marcus Mariota to the Mo – he was watching the morning unfold from the sideline as he continues to recover from offseason surgery.

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In watching the Offense, the speed and tempo are there at times. I am not sure what we’re going to see yet from this team. Right now it is all fundamentals. Defensive Coordinator Jim Leavitt was working with a player on diving for the ball on one drill telling the player to stay on the ball and it was the type of play that can ‘win a game.’

There has been a difference in the physical size of certain players. Troy Dye and Jalen Jelks have put on muscle in the offseason. The Oregon Football Staff wants them to continue their strength building heading into the Fall. Taggart is building a team not just on a solid foundation fundamentally, but physically and mentally tough too.

The mix of the three became diluted under the transition from Chip Kelly to Mark Helfrich.

One battle worth watching early is at Quarterback. Last season Justin Herbert earned the nod for a good part of the year. Expect Terry Wilson to be up for the challenge. In the first few days Wilson has shown more consistency through the air than Herbert. The ball comes out of his hands a little quicker and with a little more pop. Herbert is winning battles with his size and showing some deception with his legs. It is something to keep an eye on.

Next: Oregon Softball: Ducks Take Undefeated Record On The Road

Spring Practice for Oregon Football continues through the end of the month and concludes with the Spring Game on Saturday, April 29th at Autzen Stadium. (11am PT, Pac-12 Network)