One of our resident experts, QB11, was present for today's scrimmage in Portland. He was spending the bulk of his time just watching and evaluating players in each position group.

Which means we didn't get pictures or video or other means, but instead we got a really strong evaluation of what was on hand for Oregon football today.

Below are his notes. Keep in mind he is one person watching an entire team with a lot going on. He might have missed a few plays or perhaps the player he noticed at that moment didn't have a good rep.

In short, don't take this as an indictment of any one player because of some limited reps in a light-hearted scrimmage.

Here are the notes. Enjoy.

Quarterback:

Overall was a solid day for the QB's when considering the conditions. The two backups had the misfortune of throwing into the wind all day while Herbert had it as his back. Shough is a natural thrower, he has a pure stroke and solid arm strength. His best throws of the day were two fades that got caught in the wind and ended up turning into back shoulder balls (not on purpose). With how awful the backup OL was today i dont think its appropriate to evaluate the QB's. They were being hunted and frankly didnt stand a chance. Herbert looked good, I noted at least 3 throws where he took some sauce off the ball and showed the ability to level it in there near the goal line. He had a strong day overall including a long TD run (maybe not in pads).



Running Back:

Felix and Verdell seemed to be limited today and didnt get any run in the live scrimage portion of practice that I saw. So without those two who figure to be two of the top 3 backs this fall reps were divided as follows. The first team offense split reps between Dye and Brooks-James and the #2 O split reps between Griffin and Elliot. As such Brooks James and Griffin impressed me the most. Dye is a tough little sucker but doesnt blow you away with any one physical trait. Griffin ran hard and is obviously explosive while TBJ showed some added physicality between the tackles. Elliot didn't get many quality opportunities behind the #2 OL which was genuinely awful.



Wide receiver & Tight End:

I'm combining the two because if I do the WR's alone I'll just make myself sad. Schooler was good, his release from the LOS is much improved and he seems like our best deep threat midway through spring. Mitchell and Johnson are both very good and maintained their high level play from a year ago. Johnson seems more quick and mobile with less weight but his top end speed is only marginally better as evidence by Jelks tracking him about 50 yards down field after a long catch and run. Redd was a real bright spot today. Playing against the number 1 defense he made several plays that flashed elite explosiveness and great run skills in space.

Otherwise Daewood Davis and Demitri Burch rounded out a second WR unit that was pretty pedestrian (they didnt get much in terms of opportunities down field due to bad protection by the second unit OL).

The TE's were a fun group to watch, Breeland was out for the full contact period which allowed McCormick to get the majority of the reps with the 1's. He was certainly improved as a blocker and looks much stronger than a year ago. Kampoyer made some nice blocks today including a highlight where he really popped someone when the RB bounced.



Offensive Line:

Props to both Brady Aiello and George Moore for having excellent days against what is a very active and disruptive group of OLB's. Aiello who was completely maxed out his frame moved well. Moore really impressed me, kid is massive but stays balanced and has no issue fitting on zone blocks at the second level. Once we get Hanson back throw Throck at RG and there is your starting 5. Really solid performance by the entire first unit which at times included Alex Forsyth at RG. Forsyth played primarily as the LT of the #2 OL which if I'm frank was abused all day.

Poutasi and Shear were the only scholarship players on the second OL with Logan Bathke out and they didn't stand a chance. Frankly if anyone on this group ever has to play for us in a game, save Forsyth, we are in major trouble and I'm being kind.

As consistently good as the first group was the second was bad although they were matched up against the starters on defense primarily. Getting Hanson/Bathke back, bumping Capra to the number two OL and filling the remaining two spots out with 2 of the 5 incoming freshman will be huge for our depth.



Defensive line:

This group really showed out today both the starters and backups. If Malik Young is granted another year and DJ Johnson is cleared to play this will be our best DL depth in a while. Gary Baker actually looks like he can help now, in much better physical condition and noticeably stronger he started opposite of Jelks at End today. Fatmac did fatmac things and Jelks was Jelks but the second DL put up a huge fight against the starting DL. The second DL had two of Johnson, Young and Faliou at End with Popo at Nose and they all more than held their own.

Young and Faliou look stronger and quicker than last year and Johnson looks to be our most talented DL. Popo who is finally 100% healthy has a good wide build but needs to improve his strength this summer headed into fall camp. Can't say enough about DJ Johnson, Hes long strong and explosive. If eligable he needs to be on the field for pass rush downs for obvious reasons but even playing the 5 tech today he showed the play strength to stack and shed starting tackles. Cumberlander didn't play. Cross your fingers on Johnson and Young both are massive upgrades to our depth.



Inside linebacker:

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. ISM can play, he has good range and quickness and plays fast. He showed good instincts and was probably the guy who looked like his body grew the most. He's a little short but man he flys to the ball and has a good body to play next to Dye. Simms looked really good as well, flying to the ball and making plays against the number 1 offense. Apelu started next to him and was solid as always. Niu was in shorts and T shirt and looked tiny. Side by side with Picket he looked smaller.



Outside linebacker:

Hollins and Winston both look stronger than last year specifically Winston who looks bigger through the quads. Bryson Young looks improved as well, making plays today in both run and pass situations. Fotu looked okay.



Cornerback:

Graham and Lenoir are the alphas and they look good. Both have added substantial size and strength and played with confidence today. Woods is super long, all of 6'3 and has solid movement but can be over zealous at times in press coverage. Lunging trying to kill someone and missing (caused at least one Schooler TD). McKinley looks a lot like graham at this time last year and looks bigger than i anticipated. Beyond those 4 it gets dicey.



Safety:

Breeze and Mcgraw got primary reps next to Amadi and looked solid. Breeze is smart but can get into some trouble in space, while Mcgraw isnt as physical at the POA. Stephens and Gibson were the number 2 Safeties and SS really flashed some ability in coverage. This group is solid overall but without Picket lacks a real difference maker. I think there is a lot of reps to be had for Holland this fall. This group has a lot of different guys who can do things but most everyone has substantial holes in their game. Amadi is the best of the group and Picket wasnt available today.



Closing thoughts:



I thought the defense played well overall and looked faster and stronger overall as a unit. The DL depth is a lot less concerning after seeing Young and Baker playing so much better. WR worries me, for obvious reasons. The first three and Redd are far and away separated from everyone else. Crocker and Tucker need to be ready to go and getting Hall back is a must. Really hard to evaluate the #2 skill players with how poor the second team OL was they didnt have much opportunity to make plays. I look forward to collecting a bigger sample size between now and our opener. Oregon football is on he right path and the overall energy was good. Remember I am one person these are the notes on what I saw today.