Special Returnees

[dthomas=ddixon]

http://www.goducks.com//ViewArticle.dbm ... ID=3671944

Oregon's special teams coordinator Tom Osborne tracks the play of every single one of his troops throughout the season and compiles leaderboards for punt team and kickoff tackles, in addition to an overall point system based on executing assignments, blocking, making plays, etc.

The final special teams standings for 2008 are complete and it's encouraging to note that most of the names on the lists will be in uniform again in '09.



Willie Glasper is a veteran of Oregon's special teams units.

PUNT TACKLES
1. Willie Glasper, 5
2. Talmadge Jackson, 2
Marvin Johnson, 2
Nick Reed, 2
Zach Taylor, 2
6. Patrick Chung, 1
Casey Matthews, 1
Eddie Pleasant, 1
T.J. Ward, 1



Garrett Embry was the first true freshman to see the field last season.

KICKOFF TACKLES
1. Garrett Embry, 12
2. Patrick Chung, 11
3. Walter Thurmond, 6
T.J. Ward, 6
Riley Showalter, 6
6. Marvin Johnson, 5
Eddie Pleasant, 5
8. Josh Kaddu, 4
Kenny Rowe, 4
Jeff Maehl, 4



Will Tukuafu is poised to be UO's leader on defense in '09.

TOTAL POINTS
1. Will Tukuafu, 593
2. Patrick Chung, 562
3. Willie Glasper, 479
4. Jairus Byrd, 446
5. Eddie Pleasant, 419
Riley Showalter, 419
7. Casey Matthews, 378
8. Matt Evenesen, 371
9. Talmadge Jackson, 363
10. Walter Thurmond, 348

[briarduck]

That's great news and what a cool idea! Nice competition during a season and for bragging right!

[UOducksTK1]

Neat stuff. I'm a bit surprised though that Embry lead the team in kickoff tackles.

Too be honest, I don't even remember hearing/seeing him on the field at all.

[Diehardduckfan]

Garrett Embry!

Wow did not expect that! It seemed like Thurmond and Ward got a lot more tackles than are listed on there too. hmmm maybe their tackles were just more memorable. Especially Ward's hits.

[ducksrock]

Gr8 post DT....Very interesting facts that may not be so obvious to the every day fan....
Keep up the good posts....

[Penky26]

good find thanks

[duckscribe]

It's great to see our special teams' guys getting attention.

[VinnyKnuckles]

Riley Showalter earned the scholarship he received last season, tying for 5th on the team in overall points. It is always nice to see walk-ons/former walk-ons contribute. Unfortunately, the roster numbers seem to indicate it will be difficult for the Ducks to renew that scholarship next season, unless there is some major attrition.

[dthomas=ddixon]

Gr8 post DT....Very interesting facts that may not be so obvious to the every day fan....
Keep up the good posts....

Thanks for the compliment. The boards pretty slow now so interesting things like these are always fun.

[duckgrad99]

Gr8 post DT....Very interesting facts that may not be so obvious to the every day fan....
Keep up the good posts....

In all fairness, he didn't come up with the stats. All he did was copy the article.

[dthomas=ddixon]

Gr8 post DT....Very interesting facts that may not be so obvious to the every day fan....
Keep up the good posts....

In all fairness, he didn't come up with the stats. All he did was copy the article.

I still took the time to copy & paste it and link it!

[woundedknees]

I didn't find it for myself, so thanks, DT!

[duckscribe]

I'd sure like to see Harper on kick off returns next fall.