Ducks Attack Message Board Forum

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Kenjon Barner took reps at RB today

Sounds like he was succesful at RB too. Could be interesting. I'm really wondering what is going on with Chris Harper, all the ability yet doesn't seem to be able to grasp our offense or positions to set himself apart. The kid has talent, I don't know just thinking out loud I guess.
I know you don't grasp a position in our offense overnight, but QB, WR, and RB he's tried all three and with limited success at each. But he's only a sophomore so who knows. Hoping he's trying hard and not missing home or something like that.........

I heard from a guy who knows a guy who works with a guy who's uncle knows Chris' second cousin's wife's brother in law that he is unhappy and he wants to transfer to KState.

jhopduck wrote:Sounds like he was succesful at RB too. Could be interesting. I'm really wondering what is going on with Chris Harper, all the ability yet doesn't seem to be able to grasp our offense or positions to set himself apart. The kid has talent, I don't know just thinking out loud I guess.
I know you don't grasp a position in our offense overnight, but QB, WR, and RB he's tried all three and with limited success at each. But he's only a sophomore so who knows. Hoping he's trying hard and not missing home or something like that.........

My impression has been that he is looking good as a slot receiver.

I've watched him kick ass at WR all spring. Not sure what all the Harper's leave junk is about. To many outta towners who read other's spectacular BS and form these hilarious rumors. I wish peeps would wait to see with their own eyes or hear from the horses mouth, before sending others off on tangents of nonsense.

Since UO signed Barner I always wondered if the coaches would be tempted to try him on "O". This is a kid who at least on his highlight film looked every bit as good as James and went for around 2000 yds rushing as a SR and has a speed to spare. I don't know if he will stick or not, but I would love to see him get a good look in the spring game.

Here is his JR year highlights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SQl2P_E4eA

My hunch is that we see him mostly on D and as a returner. But, maybe occasionally brought in for some wrinkle type plays on o.

I never said he was transferring or leaving or started any fire, I just wondered if perhaps he was if he was not trying as hard. I haven't been to practices and read Mosley's report and the rivals report daily, no one has really mentioned much progress on Harper in any reports. So that's what I based it on.

Mosley's blog had the same question posed on Harper; balls were being thrown to him and he has been quietly productive making some great catches, including a one handed grab on a sideline route. I get the impression Thurmond has been has been covering him, hence the number of passes thrown to him have been lower. Anyone been at practices to confirm that?

jhopduck wrote:I never said he was transferring or leaving or started any fire, I just wondered if perhaps he was if he was not trying as hard. I haven't been to practices and read Mosley's report and the rivals report daily, no one has really mentioned much progress on Harper in any reports. So that's what I based it on.

From the practices I have been to, Harper seems to fully understand the offense from what I have seen, and when he gets the ball he dominates with his size. The thing with practices is that when they work on certain sets and plays, it may be designated for certain players, not necessarily the slot, and they get lost on the shuffle for periods of time. The first practice I went to, Harper got about 20 plays his way, and was unstoppable. The 2nd one, they barely called his number and it was the Jamere Holland show with all the plays they called for him, yet Harper was working hard on his blocking.

I am not worried at all about Harper. He's listed and has been working as the 1st string slot receiver. That should tell you enough... that he's first string every practice. I think we've all become a bit overzelous with our expectations of him like he's supposed to score an unbelievable touchdown on every play. The RB situation also is very telling. They tried him at RB for one practice only to immediatly move him back to the first string slot. That means he's solidified his position there. It sounds like he's also a kick arse downfield blocker.

Great!! Love to hear the positive news about Harper. Kid has a lot of potential and to be honest no one has written much about him (rivals/Mosley) so I just wasn't aware of his progress. It sounds like he is more effective at slot and as you mentioned will see tons of time and plays there this year. With Holland's transformation and Pflu, Cantu, LT, and Maehl all in the fold, things are sounding solid out there. Now let's get our RB's back on track.
Thanks for the updates guys!!!!!!!!!

jhopduck wrote:With Holland's transformation and Pflu, Cantu, LT, and Maehl all in the fold, things are sounding solid out there. !

And don't forget about Gaines, Diante Jackson and hopefully Braxton lane... I think we could be set for a few years at WR. Speed, Speed and more speed.

Gaines, a 6-2 205-pounder with 4.4 40 speed

Diante Jackson Ht: 6-2 Wt: 200 40: 4.5

Braxton Lane, 5-10, 195, 4.37

Bellotti on Gaines :
"We're extremely excited regarding the addition of Tyrece to our program."

"He will be a fine addition to our receiving corps and eases our concerns regarding our depth at that position with the loss of two senior starters,"

There has been a lull for him in the latest reports. But, it seems like Harper was mentioned to have made good plays by Moseley/Rivals earlier when practice first kicked off.