Oregon’s final football scrimmage before its season opener took place Thursday morning with a focus on getting younger players several reps and getting the team ready for week one by executing in-game situations.
“Got a bunch of looks at young guys in every situation,” head coach Mark Helfrich said. “We did down and distance stuff, did some red zone stuff, special teams … kind of every situation. I think we had 120 plays of offense and defense, the defense got the better [of it] a little bit early and the offense kind of got after them in the red zone portion. All in all, productive.”
Nine days away from hosting Nicholls State at Autzen Stadium, Helfrich said some decisions need to be made regarding the depth chart.
“There’s a ton of decisions,” Helfrich said. “Linebacker obviously is gonna be a big deal, interior offensive line will be a big discussion, and then just a big discussion on redshirting on DBs, linebackers, a couple offensive lineman.”
Offensive line coach Steve Greatwood said there’s a wealth of talent and experience along the offensive line, making the decision process difficult, but at the same time not as vital.
“We really have a great deal of experience,” Greatwood said. “Both the tackles Tyler [Johnstone] and Jake [Fisher] started all season last year so I feel really good about their experience coming in, and I know the guard situation has been talked about but all those kids that are in contention have seen extensive playing time. Mana Greig actually was a starter for us before he got injured, Hamani Stevens has seen a ton of time as has Everett Benyard … so those candidates right there are very very viable, I’m comfortable with any and all of them.”
Quarterback Marcus Mariota said he’s been able to lean on center Hroniss Grasu when it comes to overall communication along the offensive line.
“These last few weeks with fall camp have really helped us get on the same page,” Mariota said. “Hroniss does an awesome job of making sure everyone is on the same page … To be able to build off of him as a leader and being able to communicate with him, I think we’re all seeing the same things and we’re really just all ready to go.”
Helfrich also addressed the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex and how it’s helped make his job easier.
“The functionality of this place is off the charts,” Helfrich said. “The aesthetic design is incredible, but I think it’s even better [as] a functioning building. You know, where you’re meeting, where you’re eating, how you get to the practice field, how you get to the weight room, it was very well thought out for sure.”
Helfrich said there was little he wanted to change, then jokingly said he demanded a certain type of soap.
Helfrich and the Ducks resume practice on Saturday.