I'm biased and looking for a more even opinion. Specifically, I'm looking for insight from those who have watched Oregon this season (for more than a game or two) and who understand the game, development of plays and understand what happens away from the ball. Does Oregon have the best blocking WR's in the Pac? The nation? I am a fan who often watches how a play works and tries to take in everyones involvement. It's difficult in Oregon's offense to see, but I frequently see our WR's drive blocking larger DB's, safeties and LB's - fifteen yards down field. I watch our WR's in a split formation cut in and take LB's out of position to make plays. I've watched other teams and see their WR's blocking at the line of scrimmage, but rarely see the tenacity and aggressiveness that Oregon WR's block with. Is this normal? Unique? Or is Targus just biased and seeing things, as usual, through green and yellow glasses? Informed opinions greatly appreciated...
The entire team is just so well coached it's crazy. Chip & Alotti have built an amazing team and an amazing coaching staff that is going to be raided by other teams once the season is over.
I agree, it will probably happen, but I sure hope we're wrong. Oregon just inked Chip to a long term deal and he's known to be loyal - having turned down the NY Giants while at New Hampshire simply because he liked his job. One benefit is our core guys and their loyalty and tenure to a great school. Gary Campbell - RB coach - 27 years at Oregon! Nick Aliotti - Defense - 20 years Steve Greatwood - OL coach - 19 years John Neal - Secondary - 8 years Don Pellum - LB and recruiting - 23 years Jim Radcliffe - strength/conditioning - 26 years Jeff Hawkins - operations - 11 years How incredible is this? I assume most of these guys have received some lucrative offers over the years from coaches like Tedford, Koetter, Chow, Brooks, etc. but they must feel it doesn't get any better than Oregon. Not claiming inside info or anything, but from what I hear, Chip Kelley is extremely well liked and protective of his guys. As long as he's leading the crew, I think we'll see minimal loss. Hopefully.
A $20.5-million contract through 2015, plus additional incentives, tend to keep one happy. Word was he wasn't even going to consider Oregon until he heard how long the supporting cast had all been in place - so he came out to Eugene as basically a skeptic and loved the place and personnel.
losing Neal is the one that worries me most out of the names mentioned. The Ducks are churning out some quality NFL DB's and recruits are starting to notice. I.E. Cliff Harris, Dior Mathis, Marcus Davis transferring. They have a 4 * Safety from Lake O in Tyson Coleman committed in this class. Last year they also got a 4 * Safety who I believe is Redshirting this year in Eric Dargan. I wonder if Neal could work his way up to Defensive Coordinator in time.
I think we're pretty damn solid. Maehl, Huff, DJ Davis.... these guys are pretty solid. That one handed catch by Paulson last night was insane. We don't really have a big physical wide receiver, but we've got a good core.
I heard Gary Campbell is like a father figure to LaMichael. When he was in legal trouble this summer, it was Campbell who went to Chip and said let everything play out, he has faith in what LaMichael was telling him.
I like Huff a lot. Extreme athlete, kind of slight of build but has some thickness. Reminds me a lot of Keenan Howry.
People all around the country were noticing the same thing. Oregon most def. has some of the best blocking WRs in the country.
Not only that, but did you guys see that play from Maehl where he broke up the interception? That was impressive.
