Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley made it down to the voluntary summer workouts yesterday. Lots of new faces and a few that were more than familiar.

There were also a few UO graduates out working out with the team: Jaison Williams, Matt Toeaina, Kwame Agyemen, Garren Strong, Brian Paysinger and Andiel Brown.

Check out Rob's article to keep up to date on all the activity's.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Coming on the heels of last week's announcement that Michael Clay, Tyrece Gaines and Brian Jackson had arrived on campus for summer classes is word from Rob Moseley that Nick Cole has joined the group.

That leaves five members of this years signing class who have yet to enroll.

PK Mike Bowlin
DT Justin Brown
CB Cliff Harris
DT Andrew Iupati
WR Diante Jackson

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Couple of tidbits from Rob Moseley today. Apparently Justin Roper has agreed to transfer to Montana.

Roper has two years of eligibility left to play, and would be immediately eligible for the Grizzlies of the FCS. Montana lost one QB to graduation but returns two other lettermen.

Looking for a job and have experience as an assistant strength coach? Send your resume to Oregon's strength and conditioning coach Jim Radcliffe.

Jeremy Pick has vacated the assistant job he has held for the last 12 years and is headed to Towson University.

An announcement regarding Pick's replacement is expected in the next couple of weeks.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Brandon Oliver at DuckTerritory has a Q & A with Josh Kaddu, an up and coming SAM linebacker for the Ducks. Here are a couple of telling moments from the interview.

DT- You are part of probably the deepest, fastest and most talented linebacker corps ever at Oregon. What do you think you guys do for the defense?

JK- With our speed as a corps, I believe we will get our hands on a lot more balls in the passing game and we will get to the QB a lot more. We create chaos for opposing offenses.

DT- Anything you want to say to Duck fans out there?

JK- The hits are coming

I like his attitude! Check out the complete article.

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Ultimate Buzz Lightyear Video

Found this little gem over at Endgadget today and thought I would share it with you. Totally reminds me of Jake when the first version of Toy Story came out. He would have loved this if it had been available back then. Feeling old yet Jake?

Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• JC Shurburtt of Scouts Inc. takes a look at Oregon's national recruiting efforts and why so many potential recruits have the Ducks on their top five list.

Is it the winning program, facilities, uniforms or offensive system? Most likely it is combination of all these things.

Check out the article, it's a good piece.

• Brandon Oliver at Duck Territory has a Q & A with Blake Cantu, a receiver from Texas who spent last season healing his shoulder.

Blake is looking forward to contributing this year and had some shining moments at the Spring Game a couple of months ago.

Can't wait for Blake and the other Ducks to take the field against BSU. Less than 70 days away.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Ted Miller has today's only story saying that Oregon's "Rooney Rule" is expected to be signed into law by Governor Ted Kulongoski.

The bill would require state universities in Oregon to interview at least one minority candidate. Oregon's bill passed the Senate 52-0.

Oregon would become the first state to pass such a bill.

The idea isn't to force an institution to hire anybody. It's not affirmative action.

It simply requires closed networks to at least pretend to open up. It says, "You want to hire this guy. Fine. But at least talk to this guy."

Miller's take? "Good for Oregon," and I would agree.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• The new uniforms stole the spotlight yesterday and everyone has done a story on them. Let's start with Rob Moseley at the RG. Ted Miller's piece is here. John Hunt's story is here. GoDucks.com has put together a little highlight video from the press conference here.

Personally, I like them, especially the black ones.

• On to a couple of stories that aren't about the new uni's. First is Moseley who looks at the voluntary summer workouts which began yesterday.

“The O line and the D line kind of get their pass drops and pass rush,” quarterback Nate Costa said. “It’s good for the quarterbacks — you get a little movement in the pocket — and (the linemen) get to work the first two steps (after the snap). That’s something we’ve been doing so far that hopefully we continue to do.”

• Ted Miller has another piece in his continuing series, "Don't be surprised if..."

Don't be surprised if ... Oregon's defense is better in 2009, despite welcoming back only five starters.

His reasoning? Says Miller, "To be honest, it takes root in this: Chip Kelly said so." It's a good read, check it out.

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Ducks New Uniforms: Video

Here is a short video of the new uniforms by KVAL.

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Duck's Unveil New Uniforms

I dug around until I found the highest quality photos of Oregon's new uniforms. They were announced at a press conference earlier this afternoon. Here is TJ Ward wearing the new "steel" away game combo.

The best collection of photos is at the local TV stations (KVAL) website. Check them out and leave a comment with what you think.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• The Ducks will unveil new uniforms today at 1:00pm local time. There will be a live video feed at GoDucks.com for those of you who have the day off (that's a hint Dave.)

• Rob Moseley reports that most of the incoming recruits have made their way to campus by enrolling in summer school. You can check out the complete list here.

• ESPN blogger Ted Miller thinks the running stats for the Pac-10 as a whole will be down this year. Wondering why? He puts the blame on the offensive linemen who won't be playing this year.

Miller also checks in with Pac-10 recruiting. Regarding Oregon;

It's nice when an elite and versatile athlete like Curtis White, who could play defensive end or tight end, is a local product.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Ted Miller leads off today with a very good piece on Walter Thurmond and the rest of the Ducks as they get ready to take on Boise St. in September.

Thurmond missed last years game against BSU and says Oregon will be more than ready this time around.

"I think this year there's going to be more intensity out there. We're not going to treat it as just another game. We're going up there for a purpose."

• ESPN has a player profile on high school recruit Bryan Bennett which includes a couple of videos. Bennett gave his verbal commitment yesterday. Kid definitely has a strong arm. Check it out.

• Andy Mac has been scouring the pre-season college magazines which include; Athlon, Lindy's, Phil Steele and The Sporting News.

So if you're pressed for time and not quite ready to pour over more than 1,000 pages of information, here is a short list of how the Ducks stack up according to the "experts":



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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• If you would like to snag some season tickets today is your chance. A limited number go on sale today starting at 8am local time by going to GoDucks.com.

If you would prefer to get them in person be at the Casanova Center at 9am. Cost is $370.00 which is a $45.00 savings over the single game price.

• Bob Rickert reports that Crespi (California) high school senior quarterback Bryan Bennett, a 6' 3", 185lb. has given his verbal commitment to the Ducks.

The versatile Bennett is the 20th ranked pro-style quarterback by Rivals.com and gives Oregon's its fourth commitment for 2010.

• Former Duck Ra'Shon Harris was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. It's good to see our guys make it to the NFL!

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Ted Miller weighs in on the number of transfers since Chip Kelly has taken over the head coaching job.

In his article Miller writes that former defensive linemen Tony Celotto left last March to attend to an ailing grandmother in Southern California.

Turns out Celotto has joined the Nevada football team where he will sit out a season before continuing his football career.

Along with Roper, Harper and Pflugrad that makes four transfers... a worrisome trend here? Miller wraps it up with this...

While it may raise an eyebrow or two, it doesn't strike me as terribly alarming. There's no indication anything sinister is at work here -- each of these four had valid reasons for leaving. And new coach Chip Kelly's consistent attitude of "if you don't want to be here, then go" is the correct approach.

It would only become a worrisome trend if similar transfers continued at the same rate into next year.

I would have to agree on his reasoning.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• LA Times reporter Chris Dufresne has a Q & A with outgoing Pac-10 Commisioner Tom Hansen. Chris asks a lot of good questions and I think every Pac-10 fan should catch this read.

• Jon Wilner has a piece on what the Pac-10 Bowl lineup should be. Personally, I wouldn't count on any of this coming into reality but you never know.

• John Hunt says that Braxton Lane has put his name on the dotted line with the Rangers. Looks like he won't be a Duck receiver after all. Can't say as I really blame the kid, I wish him the best of luck.

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Can Oregon Keep Masoli Healthy? Video

ESPN Pac-10 blogger Ted Miller gives his thoughts on a subject that concerns many Duck fans.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley has a nice story on James Harris, the assistant athletic director for student-athlete development who came to the U of O two years ago from Nebraska.

He not only oversees the nutrition of all 400-some athletes at Oregon, but he spearheaded the department’s “O Heroes” community service efforts and is designing an ambitious orientation program for new Ducks on the model of the NFL’s annual rookie symposium.

Take the time to read the complete story here.

• John Hunt reports that former Duck, Chris Harper confirms he will transfer to Kansas State.

"I'm definitely going to be a quarterback,'' Harper told the Wichita Eagle.

Good luck with that Chris.

• Hunt also notes that Braxton Lane, the Oregon recruit who is a speedy wide receiver/center fielder from Sandy Creek (Ga.) High School, and was drafted by the MLB's Texas Rangers is in negotiations with the team and a decision is likely this week.

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Mike Bellotti on GoDucksLIVE with Jerry Allen Video

Former Oregon coach Mike Bellotti was a guest on “Go Ducks LIVE with Jerry Allen” yesterday. They discuss the state of the athletic department, his transition to athletic director and his view of the future of Oregon Football.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• John Hunt got a chance to have a chat with Oregon coach Chip Kelly recently. Among the topics were, night games and transfers.

"I don't mind night games,'' Kelly said. "I'd rather get up and play football, but if it's going to give us greater exposure, on a national television game, then I have no problem with it..."

Can we expect any more transfers?

"No,'' Kelly said. "We're just finishing up the school year right now. So things are good right now.''

• Bob Rickert speculates that the Pac-10 might see some better bowl games in the near future.

The Alamo Bowl, with it's extra 200k per team payout than the Holiday Bowl, is looking to up the profile of it's competition. They were at the recent Pac 10 meetings and it sounds promising...read on for more.

• Aaron Fentress takes a look at the duel between Mark Sanchez and formber Duck QB Kellen Clemens for the starting job with the Jets.

"I feel really good about where I am right now with my comfort with the offense," Clemens said. "It will be more work for me through the offseason. Then, taking a little bit of a break to recharge the batteries. I'm very excited about where we are, going into training camp."

The Jets are done with full-team practices until July 31, when camp opens in Cortland, N.Y. That's when the quarterback competition will really heat up.

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Pac-10 vs. SEC Mythical Challenge Video

Courtesy of ESPN. Again, not very much about Oregon in this discussion but still interesting if you are a Pac-10 fan.

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Big Ten vs. Pac-10 Mythical Challenge Video

Courtesy of ESPN. Not very much about Oregon in this talk but still interesting if you are a Pac-10 fan.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Ted Miller leads the way today with a fun piece, "Nonconference fantasy matchups for Pac-10."

Oregon at Oklahoma: Hey, Sooners, can the Ducks bring their own referees?

Be sure to check out the complete post, some funny stuff.

• James Walker at ESPN's NFL Nation Blog talks about a recent question posed to the followers of the AFC North blog. "Who is the top interior defensive linemen?" The choices were, Casey Hampton, Haloti Ngata or Shaun Rogers?

Former Oregon standout Haloti Ngata won the top honor.

But the AFC North blog's pick for top interior defensive lineman in the division is Haloti Ngata, because of his youth, consistency, pure athleticism, upside, versatility and track record as a winner. Ngata is the only player who currently embodies all of these traits.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Ted Miller ranks the non-conference slate for the Pac-10 teams and has Oregon with the toughest schedule. No surprise there, but here is what he has to say about the Ducks.

Boise State and Utah will be ranked in the preseason. Boise State never loses at home on the Smurf Turf. Purdue is a BCS foe. And there's the added element of Boise State and Utah being non-BCS, which puts further pressure on the Ducks.

• Mark Schlabach looks nation wide for the toughest non-conference schedules and has Oregon at number three. Here is a snippet.

...It couldn't be any more difficult for new coach Chip Kelly. Oregon opens the season Sept. 3 at Boise State, which might be the most anticipated game ever played on the blue turf of Bronco Stadium.

• Rob Moseley reports on the MLB draft.

Oregon football recruit Braxton Lane was selected by the Texas Rangers in the seventh round of the Major League Baseball draft this morning, No. 214 overall.

Will he stay or will he go pro?

Moseley also has a ton of links in this post. He takes a look at upcoming football camps. Among them are Nike Camps and Oregon's own camp.

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Pac-10 Scheduling - Maisel and Miller

Ivan Maisel and Ted Miller sit down to discuss who has the tougher schedule in the Pac-10. Is it USC, Cal or Oregon?

The bottom line might surprise you.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Ted Miller has been delving into Phil Steele's College Football Preview website and came across with some interesting numbers.

Most TD drives of five plays or less (number is national ranking)

3. Oregon... 33
10. Oregon State... 29
13. USC... 21
14. Arizona... 21

Most TD drives of under two minutes

2. Oregon... 36
10. Arizona... 22
16. Oregon State... 18
17. USC... 18

Visit Ted's site for all the numbers. Pretty interesting stuff.

• John Hunt notes that Nick Reed has signed his first professional football contract with the Seahawks. The deal is reportedly for 4 years. Way to go Nick!

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Crossover to the Duckside

Thought I would share a little project of mine. This is sized for cell phone wallpaper, 170x220 pixels to be exact, which fits my LG Rumor.

If you would like the original PNG file leave a comment and I will email it to you.

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Oregon on College Football Live Video Part 2

....and here is part 2. Enjoy.

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Oregon on College Football Live Video

Here you go Duck fans. This is part 1 of 2 and if you saw the show you will notice I have edited out the non-Duck portions. I couldn't believe it when I heard one of the announcers call Autzen, "Outzen" Stadium, what a douche bag. Other than that there are some good moments of Oregon football history and Oregon definitely came out on top.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Pickings were kind of slim for Duck football news yesterday but Rob Moseley posted a link to this RG Chris Miller story.

Miller, former QB for Oregon, is the new quarterbacks coach for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. Kind of ironic that Miller is now trying to help former USC QB Matt Leinart with his throwing motion and footwork.

• I taped yesterday's "College Football Live" show on ESPN. I will try and get a little video put together over the weekend and post it here. Oregon was featured on their 50 State Tour and they had some good moments of Oregon football history.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Andy Mac has another preseason All-Conference list. This time it is Phil Steele's and Oregon lands 9 players.

1st Team: QB Jeremiah Masoli, SS T.J. Ward
2nd Team: RB LeGarrette Blount, TE Ed Dickson, DL Will Tukuafu, CB Walter Thurmond III*
3rd Team: LB Spencer Paysinger, LB Casey Matthews
4th Team: WR Jamere Holland

* Thurmond also landed on his All_american list on the 4th Team.

• Bob Rickert notes that former Oregon WR Terrence Scott has landed a job with the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League.

• If you get a chance to catch some TV don't miss ESPN's "College Football Live" 50 States Tour. It airs at 12:30pm local time and Oregon is the stop today.

The tour began June 1 and will run through Aug. 7, showcasing the best and greatest from high school and college football in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley gets the nod for both items today. First up, the home opener against Purdue on Sept. 12th will have a 7:15pm kickoff and be televised by Fox Sports Northwest.

That's a total of six (and counting) televised games including these previously announced times:

Thu, Sept. 3, at Boise State, 7:15 p.m., ESPN
Sat, Sept. 19, vs. Utah, 12:30 p.m., ESPN
Sat, Sept. 26, vs. California, 12:30 p.m., ABC
Sat, Oct. 31, vs. USC, 5 p.m., ABC, ESPN or ESPN2
Thu, Dec. 3, vs. Oregon State, 6 p.m., ESPN

• Rob also noted there is a story in the latest edition of Sports Illustrated on recently graduated UO lineman Jeff Kendall and Cole Linehan, and the influence of UO nutritionist James Harris.

The story centers on weight issues encountered by former college players who don't change their eating habits after leaving football behind.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

• Matt Hayes at The Sporting News came out with his preseason top 25 player list for 2009. Sitting at number #9 is no other than Jeremiah Masoli.

Masoli is joined by three other Pac-10 players; Taylor Mays (USC) at # 5, Jahvid Best (Cal) at #7 and Jacquizz Rodgers (OSU) at #23.

• If you plan on attending the BSU game get ready to be blasted with blue. The Broncos unveiled their new uniforms on Sunday night and if the Smurf Turf isn't enough to gag you wait until you see these pathetic uni's.

Looks like one of the Smurfs had too many Cheeto's and Blue Hawaiian's and hurled the concoction all over this guy.

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Cell Phone Reunion

Got a friend or family member who is all smug and cocky because they have an iPhone? Do they ooh and aah and rub that gorgeous touchscreen in your mug? Make sure they watch this little video and leave a comment with your favorite one liner. Great stuff from the folks at CollegeHumor.