EUGENE -- On Monday I asked for reader questions as part of our semi-regular "Ask The Ducks" feature.



Readers delivered. However, instead of getting each player on video as I'd hoped, this time I've transcribed their answers.



Are coaches doing anything this spring to address third-down defense, which ranked 87th nationally last year? Via commenter jimmd:



Alex Balducci, defensive tackle: "We're trying to bring instead of, we have a lot of three-man rushes but I think this year we're trying to bring four more (often) and have a lot more pressure this year. We're trying to shy away from that three-man so we'll definitely be able to bring that pressure."



What are some goals Balducci has set for himself? Via commenter oldretiredguy:



Balducci: "Just keep working on my pad level and make more plays. Just about it."



What position on the offensive line are you most comfortable playing? Via commenter oldretiredguy:



Matt Pierson, offensive lineman: "I think coach (Steve Greatwood) does a good job rotating us through each position. I enjoy left guard a lot last season but I'm pretty comfortable with most. Right now I like the interior line, rotating around. I like every position and I think coach 'Wood does a great job rotating us through."



What is it about left guard?



Pierson: "Well I played at left tackle so I got used to that left foot stance. I think that made me feel a little more comfortable there. But now that we're getting into spring I'm getting more comfortable at left and right. And then when I played left guard I played next to Hroniss (Grasu, the All-American center). He's a pretty good guy to play next to. Hroniss on my right, Jake Fisher on my left, that definitely helped."



Onto the links:

Junior kicker Matt Wogan has a lot to gain this spring.

A new podcast by yours truly and Tyson Alger is out, and the guest is a QB.

Oregon's looking to its young receivers once again.

Oregon baseball picked up a win last night to break a losing streak (photos).



Some young offensive linemen got valuable experience last year.

More links at Addicted to Quack.

Aaron Fentress thinks Marcus Mariota fits in San Diego.



-- Andrew Greif

agreif@oregonian.com

503-221-8100

@andrewgreif