Ross James takes over as Oregon Ducks punter, aiming for more consistency

Being at Oregon is success in itself for Ross James. Changing into the beginning punter for the Geese is on the very least forward of schedule for the junior faculty switch.

“Simply being right here sufficient was so much for me,” James stated. “This can be a massive place to be. It was so much for me to even think about that I’d get the chance to even play right here. However to proceed working and to think about myself attending to play, it’s one thing a variety of children would dream to do and I’m actually lucky that I’ve received the chance to be out right here and do what I do.”

James had his first alternative throughout the second half at Washington State. After Adam Barry’s 32-yard punt halfway by way of the third quarter, Oregon switched to James, who made his debut in what was then a 27-22 recreation with simply over 12 minutes to go.

“I didn’t know that that chance was going to come back,” James stated. “After our first punt I used to be informed to be prepared. So I received prepared and I didn’t study I used to be truly going to go on the market till proper earlier than the punt occurred (particular groups coach Joe Lorig) was such as you’re going on the market.”

James’ first profession punt on the main faculty stage went 42 yards and resulted in a good catch simply contained in the 20.

Barry and James competed all week heading into final week’s recreation towards Stanford. James took the opening reps at observe, Barry’s punts have been longer throughout the early durations and the Geese in the end gave James the nod.

“Coach Lorig all the time talks in regards to the job’s not all the time gained, you continue to must compete,” James stated. “Most colleges that I’ve gone to I’m all the time the second man having to compete for a job and find yourself successful it.”

James had 5 punts averaging 43.4 yards in final week’s recreation towards the Cardinal with two contained in the 20 and one for 52 yards, which flipped the sphere from UO’s 29 to Stanford’s 19. His different punts went for 37, 40, 40 and 48 yards.

“I believe he had one elite kick; it was actually nice, nice location on the sphere, nice hold time and distance,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning stated. “I believe he had one kick that we’d like to have again and will do a greater job on. That being stated, he confirmed some good consistency within the recreation.”

As Oregon prepares to tackle Arizona, James has maintained his edge at punter and the competitors hasn’t ceased.

He described it as a “enjoyable preventing environment” of competitors between him, Barry and Lachlan Bruce, all transfers.

The Geese are one hundred and tenth in common punt distance (39.13 yards) to this point however would transfer up considerably if James is ready to keep his common over the remainder of the season.

“Consistency, that’s one factor all the time as a specialist, simply proceed to work on consistency,” James stated. “Cling time, all that may enhance. There was one which we want we might get again however there’s all the time one that you simply want you may do higher on. Seeking to enhance at these moments, get these out the way in which and ensure it’s extra constant at these.”