Ducks' Devon Allen hopes to be ready for opener

EUGENE – Devon Allen plans to play in the Oregon football team's season opener against Eastern Washington.

That's the goal.

The athletic sophomore wide receiver suffered a knee injury in the Rose Bowl, and he has worked the past seven months to get ready.

"It's been seven, seven and a half, eight months since surgery, so I'm feeling pretty good, and I'm feeling good to get back out there and start running routes and doing what I do as a football player," said Allen, who caught 41 passes last season for 684 yards and seven touchdowns. "I'm going to take it one day at a time, and see how I'm feeling. If I'm feeling great, then I'm going to go out there and play. If not, then I'll continue to work to get back to 100 percent."

Because of the injury, Allen missed the national championship game, plus spring practices, as well as the track and field season. Allen was the previous season's U.S. champion in the 110-meter hurdles.

"It's been tough. I missed track this year, and it's a world championship year," Allen said. "I just kind of took it with a grain of salt and just started from the beginning. Started with rehab. Started getting back in shape, making sure I didn't gain too much weight. Get stronger, upper body-wise.

"I definitely got stronger," Allen added. "And now that my leg is feeling a lot better, and I'm running around, running routes and getting back to football things again, I'm enjoying my time a little bit more and having more fun."

Charles Nelson update: After spending much of the spring practices at defensive back, Charles Nelson now appears to be back as a wide receiver again — sort of.

The sophomore had a breakout effort in the spring game, catching five passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, Nelson also had the game's only interception.

Helfrich said that the Ducks still plan to use Nelson all over the field, but his primary focus will be on offense.

"I think just as a general mindset, he considers himself a little bit more of a natural offensive player," Helfrich said.

However, Helfrich added that Nelson is "too gifted to not be everywhere. Obviously, including special teams as a returner, and the defense is still trying to fight for him."

Taj Griffin update: True freshman running back Taj Griffin is coming off an injury last year while still in high school.

The school confirmed that he is participating fully and considered healthy and ready to go.

"He's fine," Helfrich said. "Full go."

Griffin's brother, Ty, a sophomore quarterback for the Ducks, said Taj is doing great.

"His knee is all healed up," Ty Griffin said about Taj. "Faster than ever. Just ready to go."

Practice schedule: The Ducks practice Monday through Saturday this week.

First day in full pads will be Friday.

First game is at 5 p.m. Sept. 5 against Eastern Washington at Autzen Stadium.

pmartini@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6730 or Twitter.com/PeteMartiniSJ