Spring Practice Report: Day 13

[dthomas=ddixon]

http://oregon.scout.com/2/860706.html

1. The final score was 87-71 defense. The winning performance was led by corner Walter Thurmond. Thurmond, who is probably the front runner for the MVP of spring practice, received more rave reviews from Head Coach Chip Kelly.
“Thurmond had a great day today; he had a great day today. He was all over the field...He’s had as good a spring practice as anyone we’ve had,” Kelly said.

Thurmond had a total of five interceptions throughout the various drills in practice this morning. He had three interceptions during 3 on 2 drills and two more in the 11 on 11 drills. Of his five interceptions, four came off throws from first team quarterback Jeremiah Masoli.

2. When asked to comment on the six players drafted to the NFL over the weekend, Kelly attributed that to the success of the program.

“It’s a testament to the kids we have in the program. It’s a testament to the recruiting Mike (Bellotti) has done over the years. You had three in the top 50. Jairus, Pat and Max and that’s special. That’s something; hopefully, we will continue to build on.”

3. Several recent NFL draftees were at practice today and preparing to work out after practice. Nick Reed, Max Unger and Sonny Harris took in practice and were called on to help break huddle at the end of practice. Yet Coach Kelly noted the importance of their presence.

“That’s the type of guys we have. Those three guys got drafted to the NFL yesterday, and they’re back on the field working out today,” Kelly said.

4. The special teams drills worked on punts and punt returns. LaMichael James, Aaron Pflugrad, Kenjon Barner, Scott Grady, Walter Thurmond and Jamere Holland all fielded punts throughout the day.

5. Regarding the injured players who have sat out all or part of spring practice, Coach Kelly made the first official announcement regarding who will be healthy enough to play in Saturday’s spring game. The head coach made a ruling that players have to participate in Wednesday’s practice if they want to play in the spring game.

[UOducksTK1]

The special teams drills worked on punts and punt returns. LaMichael James, Aaron Pflugrad, Kenjon Barner, Scott Grady, Walter Thurmond and Jamere Holland all fielded punts throughout the day.

I'd love to see Barner, James, and Holland taking most the reps at punt returning. All 3 are incredibly dangerous with the ball in their hands.

[stewbertwilloughby]

I remember reading before spring practices started that LaMichael James might be cleared for contact at some point in the spring. I think it's a little late now, but I hope he does get cleared and plays in the spring game. I really want to see him play.

[karlhungis]

4 picks by Masoli? That isn't very encouraging. How bad is the line right now? Are we still dealing with a very limited rotation due to injury?

When is the Spring Game?

[Phenom]

I predict a huge year for WTIII! He's always been one of my favorite players.

[wheaton4prez]

Have to appreciate the flat-top. Is he still sporting that?

I think he and Ward are both already NFL calibre players.

[VinnyKnuckles]

I doubt teams will be throwing to Walter's side much this year. Hopefully the #2 corner can step up since they will likely be tested early and often, as Boise State did last year when Talmadge was filling in for Walter.

[UOducksTK1]

4 picks by Masoli? That isn't very encouraging. How bad is the line right now? Are we still dealing with a very limited rotation due to injury?

When is the Spring Game?

4 picks isn't good, but I'm not sure if that included drills and what not.

May 2nd.

[KeenanHowry15]

Those sound like some good candidates to field some punts, as long as PLU isn't involved, my dream team for returning kicks and punts this year would look like this.

Punt Returners : WT III,Holland, LaMichael James

Kick Returners: Chris Harper, WT III

By the way, i don't really want to see Crenshaw return kicks like he did last year, he just never really did anything impressive...

[nogerO]

So I know we got two of the top rated Kickers in the country. Are they here for spring drills? What can you tell me about how they look?

Thanks.

[echo31]

So I know we got two of the top rated Kickers in the country. Are they here for spring drills? What can you tell me about how they look?

Thanks.

They're not here yet, but it is sounding like they should have a good chance to compete for a starting position since none of the kickers there now are doing any good.

here you go http://blogs.registerguard.com/cms/inde ... of-spring/

The punting drills weren’t very impressive today, although Tim Taylor finished with a booming 50-yarder while backed up in his own end zone. At both kicker and punter, the incumbents needed to have strong springs to gain an edge over the incoming freshmen, Jackson Rice and Mike Bowlin, but that hasn’t happened. Those young guys are going to have a real good shot at playing right away.