Oregon
Oregon Football Coach Dan Lanning: Troy Franklin Is
Former Oregon Duck quarterback Bo Nix and wide receiver Troy Franklin are pegged as Denver Broncos rookies to possibly start NFL week one.
Both Nix and Franklin begin Broncos three-day rookie minicamp today, taking the field in Denver for the first time.
“Troy always was Bo’s insurance blanket, where he always felt that if he could get the ball to Troy, he’s going to have a chance to win,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning told the Denver Gazette.
In a strategic move, Denver traded up to select Franklin as the 102nd overall pick. Giving up draft picks to Seattle, to reunite Franklin with Nix.
The reason for the trade and pick goes deeper than just giving Nix a familiar weapon. However, the existing chemistry is sure to be a massive benefit as the two navigate joining the NFL.
“I think chemistry between a wideout and quarterback is so important and it’s real hard to kind of get in rhythm with it just because of the time constraints of coaching nowadays,’’ Lanning said to the Denver Gazette. “That makes it hard, so I think it will be an awesome connection for those two, no doubt. … Those guys have played a lot of football together.”
The Broncos were shocked to see Franklin available on day three of the draft and knew they had to act fast. Denver lost receiver Jerry Jeudy this offseason and Franklin has a chance to see major playing time. With elite speed, Franklin is poised to be a potent deep threat to enhance Denver’s aerial attack.
The Broncos hope Nix becomes their franchise quarterback in the post-Russell Wilson era in Denver.
With Nix, Franklin and former Oregon offensive lineman Alex Forsyth on the Broncos, the roster is looking a lot like the “Denver Ducks.”
One problem… Coach Lanning grew up a major Kansas City Chiefs fan.
His former players are now AFC West division rivals of his reigning-Super Bowl champion Chiefs. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes has led the Chiefs to win the divisional crown for eight-straight seasons. So how will Lanning’s cheering alliances change on NFL Sunday?
“Blood is thicker than water,’’ Lanning told The Denver Gazette. “I got to cheer for my guys, Bo and Troy. I always want those guys to have success.”
Both Nix and Franklin are fresh off their best football seasons yet.
Nix set multiple records at Oregon, including the highest season completion percentage at 74.9 percent, and the most completions, passing yards, and touchdowns in a single season.
The pro comparison Nix has often received is to retired New Orleans Saints star Drew Brees, which he has previously said he’d gladly accept.
“Yeah, I’ve heard quite a few different ones,” Nix told Sporting News. “If they want to compare me to Drew Brees, then I’ll take it. I think he’s an incredible player.”
When Nix got the draft call from Broncos Coach Sean Payton, Nix asked, “You want to win a Super Bowl?”
Franklin is Oregon’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (25) and tied for the most 100-yard receiving games (11).
The Broncos announced Nix will wear No. 10, his long-time number. Franklin will wear No. 16 after being No. 11 with the Ducks.
Oregon
Where to celebrate Pride in Oregon in 2024
The weather is warming up, flowers are blooming and it’s almost Pride season in Oregon. Local celebrations for LGBTQ+ communities across the state begin in May and go on into the fall.
Whether it’s a gala in Astoria or a parade in Roseburg, you can spend over three full months celebrating the season in Oregon. Here’s how:
Oregon
Cordero claims debut Oregon victory – DirtFish
And the historic aspect?
“I won a rally in México, Canada and now America,” said the three-time NACAM champion. “I think I’m the first person to do that. This has been a great event: fantastic people, such a nice ambiance and some really cool, fast stages – I will be back next year.”
Having started the day trailing Javi Olivares, Albert got by the Fiesta on Sunday’s second test, Shadowbuck. Regularly fastest of the crews still in the overall fight, Albert set his sights on P1. While he nibbled at the Rally2 car ahead, any hopes of taking chunks of time were spoiled by a busy afternoon.
“You name it, it got thrown at us this afternoon,” Albert told DirtFish. “I’ve got to thank the crew on the car, they’ve busted their a***s all day long. We got two punctures, a broken control arm and a collapsing cooling duct. The control arm was interesting: every time we braked the car pulled off the road. The only way to slow down was with the handbrake.
“In a straight line, it was OK, so we said to each other, “What do we do? Should we just gun it? Yeah, let’s gun it.” We just slowed down early for the corners and by some magical physics the wheel stayed on.
Oregon
Oregon Route 126 closed east of Florence after reported traffic accident
Oregon Route 126 is closed east of Florence Sunday afternoon following a traffic accident, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
The closure was reported around 3 p.m. on Sunday, about six miles east of Mapleton, between Florence and Eugene. On-scene reports indicate that the accident involved at least two vehicles. The number of injuries was unknown as of 3:30 p.m.
The highway, a major route in the area, was busier than usual due to the popular “Rhody Fest” Rhododendron Festival in Florence, which had been expected to draw increased traffic volume on the highway.
ODOT officials urged drivers to seek alternative routes and expect delays as emergency responders work to clear the scene and investigate the incident. There was no estimated time for when the highway would reopen.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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