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Oregon Football: “It’s On”, Ducks Optimistic Entering Spring Football

By Justin Phillips

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks works with his players during pre-game warm ups prior to the start of the Redbox Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks works with his players during pre-game warm ups prior to the start of the Redbox Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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For Oregon Football, a Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin last season was the start.  While there will be some new faces, the team opens Spring Camp this week with optimism for the season ahead.

Defensive Coordinator Andy Avalos is entering his second season with Oregon Football. Several moves are already being made so that the team can maximize the amount of talent on the field. During practice on Thursday, Thomas Graham Jr moved over to safety so Mychael Wright could get some time at cornerback. I’m not sure this will translate into a game this fall, but it is something to keep an eye on.

After four seasons with Justin Herbert at Quarterback, the biggest change for the team is a new starter as signal-caller. The Ducks will also look at a new faced Offensive Line with several players departing following graduation. New Offensive Coordinator Joe Moorehead is still working on installing the offensive scheme.

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Head Coach Mario Cristobal was happy with what he saw of the Oregon Defense saying the Ducks looked like a veteran unit. In light of the success of last year, he does not want his defense to become complacent as they prepare for the upcoming season. There is confidence they won’t with consistency at defensive coordinator for the second straight season.

Cristobal was happy with the offseason conditioning program saying that players did their jobs and appeared fast and crisp in their first workout of the Spring.

Offensively, Tyler Shough took most of the snaps with the first team on Thursday with Jay Butterfield also seeing time. Cale Millen and Bradley Yaffe also saw some time. The Offensive Line may be among the biggest question marks entering Spring. Oregon will need to find consitency at Center following the departure of Jason Hanson who was the anchor of the line last season.

Alex Forsythe got the nod on Thursday with Sam Patousi at left guard. The Offensive Line will be a work in progress as we head toward the Spring Game next month.

The Spring Game is set for Saturday, April 18th at 2 pm from Autzen Stadium. The game will be broadcast on Pac-12 Network.

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