Oregon
TOT PRO DAY RECAP: Oregon
The Talk of Troyâs 2024 Pro Day tour kicked off Tuesday in Eugene at the University of Oregon. TOTâs Ben Papp, Kasey Kazliner and Sullivan Maley analyzed all of the eventâs drills. All measurables and times are courtesy of University of Oregon Athletics.
EUGENE, Ore. â Highly touted draft prospects Bo Nix, Troy Franklin and Bucky Irving headlined the Ducksâ 2024 Pro Day events at the University of Oregonâs Moshofsky Center on Tuesday, but 12 other players also participated in the events to show NFL teams what theyâre made of.
It was a jam-packed morning consisting of vertical and broad jump tests, 40-yard dashes, shuttle drills and more. Prospects Popo Aumavae, Mase Funa, Jamal Hill, Steven Jones, Camden Lewis, Casey Rogers, Steve Stephens IV and Sam Taimani werenât invited to the Combine, but had a chance to showcase their skills to NFL teams for the first time. Hill (linebacker) and Lewis (placekicker) especially caught the attention of scouts in attendance with standout performances to surely aid their draft stock come April.
Jamal Hill took advantage of his moment in front of the scouts, running an impressive 4.41-second 40-yard dash, faster than any linebacker that participated in the Combine. He also recorded an impressive broad jump at 10-foot-1, and showed good footwork and coverage skills in field drills. The highlight of his drills came on an impressive high point catch during a flat coverage drill that surely left NFL teams impressed with his potential to play either outside linebacker or safety.
Lewis went 10-for-10 on an ambitious lineup of kicks ranging in distance from 33 to 60 yards. While a few of Lewisâ kicks brushed the posts, they were mostly accurate with many sailing far over the crossbar, suggesting his ability to hit from even further. Lewis certainly benefited from a strong Pro Day after a shaky season that included a crucial miss against Washington from 43 yards that kept the game from entering overtime, handing the Ducks their first loss of the season.
Nix had a chance to practice with some of his other offensive weapons for the final time, including Terrance Ferguson and Tez Johnson. He also connected with fellow draft prospects Franklin and Irving on numerous passes. His throwing script consisted of short game, deep balls, play-action and off-platform throws. Nix threw from a number of drops and rollouts, and the drill occasionally included simulated pressure.
Nixâs throws were mostly accurate with some struggles on out-breaking routes. His deep balls were more impressive than in Indianapolis, including a beautiful wheel route to Irving that displayed elite touch and timing.
Franklin, who struggled at the NFL Combine, needed a stellar Pro Day to further cement his spot in the first round given the stacked class of receivers. While he showed flashes of his speed on deep balls and some clean short game work, his overall performance wasnât striking or consistent enough to silence the questions raised by his performance in Indianapolis.
Franklin ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the 10th fastest among participating receivers. The time placed him behind prospects like Xavier Legette, Anthony Gould and Brian Thomas Jr., a lackluster mark for a receiver whose main upside is said to be athleticism.
âI didnât know you had to put that much work into the 40,â said Franklin.
Franklinâs gauntlet drill was widely regarded as one of the worst at the NFL Combine, veering multiple steps off his line on most catches. He was especially outshined by other receivers like Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey and Brian Thomas Jr. who raised their stock with impressive Combine performances.
Undersized at 183 lbs, NFL teams would expect him to display strong route-running to justify using a first-round pick on him. Franklinâs routes on Tuesday, while solid, didnât display the elite fluidity and crisp cuts likely necessary to fully recover his definite first-round pick status.
Full Pro Day Results (alphabetical order)
(^) NFL Combine invitee
(*) NFL Combine measurement
DNP = did not participate
DL Popo Aumavaeâ6â²3 ½â296 lbs
10 â â Hand, 32 â â Arm, 77 â â Wingspan
40-yard dash: 5.16
Vertical: 29 ½
Broad: 9-foot
Three-cone drill: 8.03
Bench press: 17 reps
DL Brandon Dorlus^â6â²3â286 lbs
9 ½â Hand, 32 â â Arm, 79 ¾â Wingspan
Did not participate in measurable drills.
WR Troy Franklin^â6â²2 ½â183 lbs
8 â â Hand, 31 ¾â Arm, 77 ½â Wingspan
Did not participate in measurable drills.
EDGE Mase Funaâ6â²2 â â254 lbs
10â³ Hand, 32 â â Arm, 77 ¼â Wingspan
40-yard dash: 4.88
Vertical: 30
Broad: 9-foot-2
Three-cone drill: 7.57
Bench press: 18 reps
LB/SAF Jamal Hillâ6â²0â216 lbs
8 ¾â Hand, 32 â â Arm, 78 ¾â Wingspan
40-yard dash: 4.41
Vertical: 33
Broad: 10-foot-1
Three-cone drill: 7.16
Bench press: 17 reps
RB Bucky Irving^â5â²9 ¼â195 lbs
9 â â Hand, 29 ½â Arm, 69 â â Wingspan
40-yard dash: DNP
Vertical: 31 ½
Broad: DNP
Three-cone drill: DNP
Bench press: 15 reps
CB Khyree Jackson^â6â²3 â â203 lbs
9 â â Hand, 32 ¾â Arm, 77 â â Wingspan
40-yard dash: DNP
Vertical: 32.5
Broad: DNP
Three-cone drill: DNP
Bench press: 11 reps
OL Steven Jonesâ6â²5 ¼â342 lbs
10 ¾â Hand, 34 â â Arm, 84 â â Wingspan
40-yard dash: 5.43
Vertical: 21
Broad: 7-foot-9
Three-cone drill: DNP
Bench press: 23 reps
PK Camden Lewisâ5â²11 ½â206 lbs.
8 ¾â Hand, 28 â â Arm, 69 ¾â Wingspan
Did not participate in measurable drills.
QB Bo Nix^â6â²2 â *â 217 lbs.
10 â â* Hand, 30 â â* Arm, 74 ¼â* Wingspan
Did not participate in measurable drills.
OL Jackson Powers-Johnson^â6â²3 ¼â326 lbs.
9 ¾â Hand, 32 â â Arm, 78 â â Wingspan
Did not participate in measurable drills.
DL Casey Rogersâ6â²4 â â294 lbs.
9â³ Hand, 32â³ Arm, 78 ½â Wingspan
40-yard dash: 4.82
Vertical: 35
Broad: 9-foot-8
Three-cone drill: 7.45
Bench press: 27 reps
SAF Steve Stephens IVâ5â²11 â â194 lbs
10 â â Hand, 31â³ Arm, 75â³ Wingspan
40-yard dash: 4.59
Vertical: 36
Broad: 9-foot-10
Three-cone drill: 7.21
Bench press: 12 reps
DL Sam Taimaniâ6â²1 ½â309 lbs
10 ¾â Hand, 31 â â Arm, 77 ½â Wingspan
40-yard dash: 5.33
Vertical: 25
Broad: 8-foot-6
Three-cone drill: 7.95
Bench press: 19 reps
SAF Evan Williams^â5â²11 ¾â206 lbs
9 â â Hand, 30â³ Arm, 73 ¾â Wingspan
40-yard dash: 4.56
Vertical: DNP
Broad: DNP
Three-cone drill: 7.10
Bench press: 18 reps
Oregon
Oregon Football’s Box Nix Embraces ‘Day-to-Day’ Broncos Adjustment
Former Oregon Ducks star Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos’ first-round draft pick, is taking a day-by-day approach to navigating the team’s rookie minicamp.
“It’s a day-to-day process,” Nix said. “You have to go from one meeting to a practice to a walkthrough. You have to take them one at a time, just learn as much as you can and not make the same mistake twice.”
Nix is learning from Broncos coach Sean Payton, who has much knowledge and experience to share, with a proven track record of producing dynamic results with various quarterbacks, notably winning a Super Bowl with Drew Brees during his time while coaching the New Orleans Saints.
“He’s been awesome,” Nix said. “He’s been teaching me so much already. He’s got a lot of knowledge, and he’s built a pedigree of when he talks, you listen. That is what I am excited [about]. To continue learning from him more and more each day as we go through practice and walkthroughs. You just can’t learn enough from him.”
As Nix works to digest the playbook and execute plays on the field, he’s relying on his coaches to help him break it down. The reps he gets in rookie minicamp are his initial opportunities to put what he’s studied into practice, familiarizing him with the nuances of the offense.
“It’s all about studying and taking one play at a time,” Nix explained. “Master it and make sure you know the fundamentals and technique of that play and what the play-caller’s intent is. Essentially, they just want to see you got out and execute it. It’s my job as a quarterback to get the plays started and get the ball where it’s supposed to be. A lot of that is completing passes and run-game operation.
“It can be a lot but I feel like I’m being taught really well by the coaches,” Nix explained. “They’re doing a really good job of narrowing everything down and making it simple so I can just get up there, process and play really fast.”
Beyond just learning the Broncos’ offense, Nix recognizes the importance of leadership and building relationships with his new teammates. Not only does having this familiarity help in the long run, but the connection players establish entering the NFL tends to last many years.
“Just be myself,” Nix said. “You’re not going to be able to do it all at once. It’s going to [be] day-by-day. The most important thing is being a great teammate and learning my new teammates. Being around them and forming great relationships with them. They just want to see guys who can go out there and play hard for each other. That’s what most leaders are able to do.”
The rookie quarterback is thrilled to be in Denver and is embracing the pressure that comes with wearing a Broncos jersey.
“I’m super excited,” Nix said. “I’ve only been here for a couple of days and can’t wait to get out and about and go see everything. I’m super excited to be here. The city is incredible. I can’t believe I get to wear a Broncos jersey and go out there and do what so many greats have done before me. I don’t take that lightly and I’m not going to take it for granted. Pressure gives you opportunities. The more pressure and responsibility you have, the more you have to go out there and consistently earn it.”
With his poise, patience, and pinpoint passing, Nix is already making a positive impression on his coaches and teammates. As he continues to learn and grow, he’s eager to prove himself and contribute to the team’s success.
READ MORE: Oregon Football’s Troy Franklin Reveals Goals In Broncos Rookie Minicamp
READ MORE: Oregon Football Powerhouse: ‘Buying Stock’ In Coach Dan Lanning
READ MORE: Oregon Football’s Bo Nix Impresses Broncos’ Sean Payton at Rookie Minicamp
Oregon
Registration open for inaugural Oregon Native Trout Challenge – KTVZ
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Anglers, grab your favorite fishing rig and a map, as registration is now open for the inaugural Oregon Native Trout Challenge.
Basalt to Breakers, an Oregon nonprofit with fiscal sponsorship by the Oregon Wildlife Foundation, is launching the Oregon Native Trout Challenge to encourage anglers to explore new waters, celebrate the diversity of Oregon’s native trout fisheries and support projects that conserve our native trout species.
“The challenge is intended to be a celebration of Oregon’s native trout species and the ecosystems that support their populations. We intentionally made this challenge different from other native trout challenges to encourage people to explore the diverse ecosystems that Oregon offers,” said B2B Founder Max McCool. “Completing the challenge consists of catching and taking a picture of any native trout species caught in each of Oregon’s eight ecoregions and submitting the location, date, and species through our online form,” continued McCool.
The Challenge is catch-and-release. “We want to ensure that each participant follows ODFW regulations throughout the challenge and isn’t putting additional pressure on any vulnerable species,” said McCool.
Each catch must be documented according to the Challenge rules to count. A one-time entry fee of $35 offsets the administrative costs of the challenge with net proceeds used for habitat restoration, trout conservation, and education projects. Beyond learning more about Oregon’s native trout species and our diverse ecoregions, the Oregon Native Trout Challenge seeks to encourage advocacy for local fisheries.
“In Oregon, salmon get the lion’s share of attention, but Oregon has stellar trout fishing throughout our state. What I like most about the Oregon Native Trout Challenge is that it encourages anglers to explore more of what Oregon has to offer,” said Tim Greseth, Oregon Wildlife Foundation’s executive director.
Participants can register at https://owhf.tofinoauctions.com/b2bchallenge24/homepages/show. For more information, visit www.basalttobreakers.org.
Basalt to Breakers
is a nonprofit corporation registered in the State of Oregon. The mission of Basalt to Breakers is to inspire, educate and engage all anglers throughout Oregon in native trout conservation projects. Basalt to Breakers is sponsored by the Oregon Wildlife Foundation. To support B2B with a tax-deductible gift, visit https://secure.givelively.org/donate/oregon-wildlife-foundation/basalt-to-breakers-oregon-native-trout-challenge.
Oregon Wildlife Foundation
is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, OWF has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information, visit www.myOWF.org.
Oregon
Oregon Baseball Evens The Series, Downs The Huskies 13-6
On the warmest day thus far of 2024, Oregon baseball was able to bounce back from Friday’s pitching meltdown and hold on to their lead in besting the Washington Huskies, 13-6.
Grayson Grinsell started for the Ducks, and Calvin Kirchoff took the hill for the Huskies. To say the least, neither pitched particularly well, with bats on both sides hitting early and often.
The Ducks wasted no time in scoring right from the outset of the game, as leadoff hitter Drew Smith started the game with a single, which was followed by Mason Neville hitting a two-run homer off the second pitch thrown at him.
Washington struck back in the bottom of the inning, when Grinsell gave up a home run to the leadoff batter for the Huskies.
Over the next couple of innings, both sides handed out runs like Halloween candy. In the top of the fourth inning, it appeared that Oregon was beginning to distance the Huskies 7-4, but any semblance of control from Grinsell failed him, and Brock Moore took the mound with one out and runners on second and third.
The Huskies immediately hit a two-run double to pull within one run, 7-6, and the game was starting to feel like a repeat of Friday’s debacle.
Much to his credit, Moore shook off two runs that were not earned and pitched his longest outing of this season, completely silencing the Washington bats.
With both sides going scoreless in the fifth inning, the Ducks scored two more in the sixth to pushed their lead to 9-6.
In the midst of Oregon’s scoring push, Moore pitched 1-2-3 innings in the 6th, 7th, and 8th.
In the seventh inning, the succession of a pair of Washington relief pitchers gave up a single to Jeffrey Heard, and the walked Justin Cassella and Maddox Maloney to load the bases. Chase Meggers cleared the bases with a double that coincidentally doubled Oregon’s lead over the Huskies.
Carter Garate added an insurance run in the ninth inning, and his overly aggressive running led to the end of the inning for the Ducks.
Brock Moore finally began to fatigue after throwing 80 pitches, and Logan Mercado notched the final out of the game, with an ending score of 13-6.
It was not Grayson Grinsell’s finest day, and that happens in college ball. Grinsell ended up pitching 4.1 innings with six runs on four hits, along with 4 walks and 5 Ks.
Brock Moore brought game in relief that preserved Oregon’s lead from the fifth inning on. Moore pitched five innings, allowing three hits with no runs, and only one walk to go with 8 Ks.
The Duck bats hit early and often, led by Chase Meggers going 2-4 with 5 RBIs. Here is your final line score:
Moore (5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K)@meggers_chase (2-for-4, HR, 2B, 5 RBI)
Carter Garate (4-for-5, HR, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R)@maddox_molony (1-for-3, HR, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 3 R)@drewsmith1742 (2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 1 R)@masonneville_ (1-for-5, HR, 2 RBI)#GoDucks pic.twitter.com/Zq76GinxQ9— Oregon Duck Baseball (@OregonBaseball) May 12, 2024
Coach Waz had these brief comments after the game.
Washington and Oregon battle today for the series win. The game is early this afternoon and 12:05 pm, and will be shown on the Pac-12 Network.
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