4/29/21 Emerald Media - Gameday Edition

GAMEDAY 4.29.21

OREGON OFFENSE POISED FOR EXPLOSIVE 2021 After taking a Penn St. offense to new heights in his second year, offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead looks to do the same at UO.

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GAMEDAY

GAMEDAY, the Emerald’s football edition, is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit news company at the University of Oregon founded in 1900.

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ON THE COVER

Ducks running back C.J. Verdell (7) runs downfield. Oregon Ducks Football takes on Stanford University at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Nov. 7, 2020. (DL Young/Emerald)

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AROUND THE

PAC-12

BY: Chris Brouilette @cbrouEmerald

Arizona hires Jedd Fisch: After three seasons, Arizona football fired Kevin Sumlin in December 2020. He held a 9-20 record and finished last in the Pac-12 South in 2019 and 2020. Jedd Fisch, who most recently worked as the New England Patriots’ quarterbacks coach, will replace him. This is his first head coaching gig.

Washington’s quarterback competition: The Washington Huskies have multiple options at quarterback as five-star freshman Sam Huard enrolls this spring.

However, the No. 1-rated quarterback prospect will have to beat out Dylan Morris, who threw for almost 900 yards in 2020, and Colorado State transfer Patrick O’Brien.

UCLA ranks second in returning production: According to ESPN’s Bill Connelly, UCLA ranks second in the NCAA heading into the 2021 season in SP+, a stat which measures a team’s returning production. This is a good sign for Chip Kelly’s Bruins, who, despite going 3-4 in 2020, lost all four games by one possession and showed flashes of improvement. The Bruins could be a dark horse Pac-12 South contender.

GAMEDAY

VERONE Mc McKINLEY III PREPARED TO LEAD YOUNG SECONDARY

Entering his third year as a starter, safety McKinley III looks to build off of the leadership role he took on last year.

BY: Kai Kanzer @riverkaikanz

I feel like I took on that leadership role last year. Now I feel like I’m a general back there, I have to be that guy and have that responsibility on my shoulders.”

VERONE McKINLEY III Oregon safety

Ducks cornerback Verone McKinley III (23) sets up pre snap. Oregon Ducks Football takes on the University of Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Nov. 16, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)

Oregon safety Verone McKinley III has come a long way since his first game as a starter back in 2019.

The closing moments of Oregon’s 2019 season opener vs. Auburn isn’t a rosy memory for McKinely III. With just nine seconds left, Auburn wide receiver Seth Williams scored the gamewinning touchdown, leaping for the catch with McKinley III draped all over him.

At the time, McKinley III was a redshirt freshman playing alongside Brady Breeze, Jevon Holland and Thomas Graham Jr., who were all experienced players that would eventually opt out of the 2020 season.

Playing without them in 2020, the safety transitioned well and found himself occupying a new role with the team: a leader.

“I feel like I took on that leadership role last year,” McKinley III said. “Now I feel like I’m a general

back there, I have to be that guy, and have that responsibility on my shoulders.”

In that same 2019 season, McKinley III was named freshman All-American and was just the third freshman since 1978 to lead the Pac-12 in interceptions.

His relationship with new safeties coach Marcel Yates, along with his knowledge of the Oregon program, puts McKinley in an ideal spot heading into 2021.

“He’s a leader,” Yates said. “He is very smart and a coach on the field. He’s doing a good job playing here, and doing so much.”

McKinley III is prepared to lead the young secondary of sophomores and freshmen alongside Jamal Hill, Mykael Wright and Steve Stephens IV. This spring, McKinley III has led by example.

“Verone had a phenomenal interception coming

off the hash to track one down,” head coach Mario Cristobal said. “A spectacular football play; eye discipline, angle, and just athleticism going up and making something happen. After that it got really competitive.”

McKinley III and the Ducks have brought a lot of energy and competition to this year’s spring practices. To McKinley, this year just feels different.

“A lot of guys are locked in, and mentaly I feel like we’ve elevated learning defenses and understanding concepts,” McKinley III said. “This is one of the most competitive spring balls I’ve had since I’ve been here.”

The Ducks’ annual spring game on Saturday, May 1, will be another stepping stone for McKinley III and the young Ducks secondary as they prepare to lock down the backend in 2021.

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MARCEL YATES COMES TO OREGON WITH CHAMPIONSHIP ASPIRATIONS The new secondary coach is motivated to help Oregon reach the pinnacle of college football.

BY: Chris Brouilette @cbrouEmerald

The Ducks walk off the field after warm ups. Oregon Ducks Football takes on Stanford University at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Nov. 7, 2020. (DL Young/Emerald)

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In February, head coach Mario Cristobal pitched Marcel Yates the opportunity to be a part of history.

Yates agreed, and he now begins his first attempt at history as Oregon football’s new secondary coach.

“The one thing that stood out to me was when coach [Mario Cristobal] said, ‘Come help me win a national championship,’” Yates said. “That was the one thing in 21 years of coaching that I’ve never had a head coach actually say to me… at that point I said, ‘Okay.’”

Spending last season as Cal’s defensive backs coach and coaching in the Pac-12 for the last five seasons, Yates has watched Cristobal bring physicality to a team and conference that are characterized by speed and finesse. It embodies a philosophy and approach which matches that of his own. With a clear goal in mind, Yates took over what he believes can be a national championship-level secondary.

Yates joined the program just weeks after Oregon hired Tim DeRuyter, who held the same position as defensive coordinator last season at Cal. The familiarity between the two will help Oregon’s defense transition to the new coaching staff.

“We’ve either [worked] in the same conference or at the same school... we’ve known each other for a long time,” Yates said. “I respect him as a coach, as a man, as a father and as a husband… we get along well.”

Previously, Yates was the defensive coordinator at Arizona and Boise State, his alma mater. Additionally, he coached defensive backs at Boise State and Texas A&M. This spring, the goal is to establish relationships with the players, and Yates believes he has a strong foundation to build on — one which

begins with Verone McKinley III, Oregon’s most experienced safety and a leader of the defense.

Yates met McKinley III while recruiting at Arizona and the two share a close bond.

“It’s been pretty cool,” McKinley III said. “I feel like the guys have gravitated towards him and understand what he’s talking about.

He’s a great coach, and I’m excited to display everything he’s helped us with this year.”

For the rest of the secondary, spring practice is off to a promising start.

“As a group, they want to be coached hard. They show up early to everything and ask a ton of questions, which I like,” Yates said. “All in all I can’t complain about their effort and the knowledge that they have.”

Jamal Hill, a sophomore nickelback, returns after a breakout six-game 2020 season where he totaled 20 tackles, four passes defended and two interceptions, is a fan of the work being done with Yates this spring.

“He gets after it,” Hill said. “He’s going to hold you accountable no matter how you feel that day, and you’re going to get better… I love his coaching style.”

If the Ducks have the talent to compete for a national championship, it starts with the Oregon defense returning to the dominant form they showed at times throughout the 2019 season.

With speed and power up front, the seconday’s ability to gel may well be the difference. While spring football is merely an introduction to the 2021 season and there is a lot to be done before the opening kickoff at Autzen Stadium on Sept. 4, Yates and the Oregon secondary have one goal in mind: making history.

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GAMEDAY

PUZZLE COMING TOGETHER

IN JOE MOORHEAD’S SECOND YEAR In year two as Oregon’s offensive coordinator, Moorhead is ready to turn Oregon’s offense into a juggernaut.

BY: Daniel Friis In 2016, first-year offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead’s fast-paced, complicated yet effective offense was a big reason for the Penn State Nittany Lions making their first Rose Bowl in eight years.

Then, in 2017, Moorhead outdid himself.

After a dominant 2016 campaign, most of the Penn State offense returned, and in doing so, surpassed nearly every offensive category from the previous year, averaging 460 yards and five touchdowns per game in the Big Ten.

It’s that kind of improvement that is expected out of Moorhead in his second season with the Ducks.

In a hectic, shortened first season clouded by COVID-19 protocols, Moorhead inherited an entirely new offensive line and a first-time starter at quarterback. He stuck the landing though.

Now in his second year, it’s time for Moorhead to take off the training wheels and turn Oregon’s offense into one of the most feared in the country.

An offense is only as strong as its line, and fortunately for Moorhead, he’s returning a good

one. Despite entering the 2020 season with just one combined start, the offensive line did its job.

“We jumped right into it,” offensive lineman George Moore said. “For an offense with all new guys, I thought we did well.”

The only knock on the offensive line from last season was their run game blocking. This will only get better with more time and camaraderie however, two things that the line is building strongly this spring.

As for the backfield, Oregon is set to return two

Autzen Stadium is empty during the first game of the season. Oregon Ducks Football takes on Stanford University at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Nov 7, 2020. (DL Young/Emerald)

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GAMEDAY of their biggest senior leaders, Troy Spencer Webb and Patrick Herbert to get Dye and CJ Verdell. Dye was arguably significant snaps both during the spring the Ducks offensive MVP last year, game, and throughout the season. averaging 26.6 yards per touch in the DJ Johnson is another name passing game and leading the team in worth noting at the tight end spot. touchdowns with five.

In just his first year ever playing the For Verdell, it’s all about health. position, Johnson had the third most When he’s healthy, as was the case touchdowns on the team. He’s been out in 2019, he can be one of the most all spring and won’t play in the spring dynamic running backs in the nation. game for unspecified reasons. Still, he’s When he’s battered, as he was in 2020, on pace to play this fall and will look to the team becomes heavily reliant build upon a strong first season at the on the pass game, and the offense position. becomes predictable.

The final piece for Moorhead is who Fortunately, all signs point to Verdell will be running the offense when the looking healthy and ready for a big 2021. first whistle is blown against Fresno He broke the first play from scrimmage State. All signs so far point to dualfor a 60-yard touchdown during threat Anthony Brown, the former Oregon’s spring Boston College practice in April. transfer.

“I believe CJ Brown is the Verdell is the best only quarterback back in the country, currently on the he just needs to stay roster to take a Coach Moorhead has healthy,” running snap as a Duck, backs coach Jim and he has more done an awesome job of Mastro said. “He’s college experience incorporating everyone as dynamic as than all the and really spreading they come, and the quarterbacks complete package.” combined. Add the ball around. We’re Oregon also that with his getting to a point where returns all of their ability to beat the entire playbook is offensive targets teams with his from last year, arm and his gonna be something excluding Hunter legs, and the that we can use. We’re Kampmoyer. Expect quarterback very excited about the Devon Williams, competition could Dye and Jaylon be over with offense.”

Redd to build upon an impressive MARIO CRISTOBAL impressive receiving spring game Oregon football head coach numbers from last performance. year where the “Anthony has trio accounted for earned the reps he’s nearly half of the teams receiving gotten,” head coach Mario Cristobal said. touchdowns.

“He’s a guy who takes a lot of ownership Mycah Pittman and Johnny Johnson and pride into everything he does, and a lll will also play big roles for the guy you can coach hard.” receiving corps. Johnson III led the team The ball is in the hands of Moorhead. in receiving touchdowns back in 2019 The last time he had an offense return with seven, while Pittman has shown nearly all of its starters, he ran with his glimpses of potential as a Duck like it and created one of the most lethal his crowd silencing touchdown as a attacks in Penn State history. The freshman at Washington. possibilities are endless for Moorhead The depth at receiver is another this season, and he has plenty of noteworthy point. Sophomore Josh weapons at his disposal.

Delgado has seen time here before “Coach Moorhead has done an while other names like Kris Hutson, awesome job of incorporating Isaiah Crocker and Dont’e Thornton everyone and really spreading the ball have opened eyes this spring. around,” Cristobal said. “We’re getting As for tight end, despite Hunter to a point where the entire playbook is Kampmoyer leaving for the draft, the gonna be something that we can use. position will be in good hands. Expect Very excited about the offense.”

Ducks running back C.J. Verdell (7) warms up.Oregon Ducks Football takes on Stanford University at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Nov. 7, 2020. (DL Young/Emerald)

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GAMEDAY

FORECASTING THE OREGON DEFENSE UNDER

TIM DeRUYTER

The new defensive coordinator brings Pac-12 experience and a knack for developing edge rushers to Oregon’s defense.

BY: Charles Gearing @GearingCharlie

The Ducks defensive line lines up pre snap. Oregon Ducks football takes on the UCLA Bruins at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Nov. 21, 2020. (DL Young/Emerald)

In the wake of former Oregon defensive coordinator Andy Avalos’ departure, Tim DeRuyter wasn’t seen as a likely candidate to fill the vacancy. Mississippi State defensive coordinator Zach Arnett and Georgia’s Glenn Schumann led the pack of likely hires while Oregon’s own Ken Wilson and former safeties Keith Hayward joined the list of candidates on the tail end.

DeRuyter’s hiring may have come as a surprise, but given his track record, it checks out. DeRuyter brings ample experience, spanning far beyond his time at Cal. The 58-year-old enters the program as the oldest coach on staff, carrying 32 years of collegiate coaching experience in his pocket.

In 2016, the year before DeRuyter’s hiring at Cal, the Golden Bears had the worst scoring defense in the Pac-12, spotting opponents an average of 43 points per game. In the years following, under DeRuyter and head coach Justin Wilcox, the Cal program elevated into one of the top defenses in the conference, coming within reach of Oregon, Washington and Utah, and doing so with far less talent and recruiting prowess.

By 2019, the Cal defense allowed just 21 points per game, ranking

fourth in the Pac-12. In four years under DeRuyter, the Golden Bears halved their points against average.

DeRuyter has proven that he can turn a lackluster defense into a competitive unit. Now, he arrives in Eugene with a far deeper talent pool than he dealt with in Berkeley. The Ducks, ranked the top recruiting force in the Pac-12 for three consecutive years, have over 30 four-star athletes and four five-stars on the active roster. Cal, on the other hand, had only four four-star commits in the entirety of DeRuyter’s tenure.

The strength of this year’s unit comes from an area DeRuyter knows well: the linebackers. DeRuyter has developed several NFL talents at the position, including recent Cal star Evan Weaver and former Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, who he coached for one season at Texas A&M. This season, DeRuyter walks into one of the stoutest linebacker rooms in program history, and arguably one of the nation’s best. With two former five-star athletes, Noah Sewell and Justin Flowe, accompanied by senior Isaac Slade-Matautia and Mase Funa, the Ducks’ linebacker unit should flourish under DeRuyter.

Former five-star edge rusher

Kayvon Thibodeaux is also reported to be mixing in with the linebackers on certain packages, bringing on a new look for Oregon defense.

“We’re going to have four-down capability with KT [Thibodeaux] and Mase [Funa], and having outside linebackers as stand-up edge guys,” DeRuyter said. “Typically we’ll play with two inside linebackers like we’ve done here in the past.”

Just weeks into spring camp under DeRuyter, Thibodeaux has already seen changes in the way he’s lining up. The former five-star has been mixed in at the outside linebacker spot, a pivot from the true defensive end role he occupied under Avalos last season. DeRuyter took a strikingly similar approach all those years ago at Texas A&M with Miller.

“As we’ve seen crossover tape, [Thibodeaux is] probably the first person I’ve seen in a while that has the explosiveness off the edge like Von [Miller],” DeRuyter said. “The ability to bend, the pass rush value.

Really excited about him.”

The DeRuyter defense will also feature a “star” linebacker. A “star” is a physical, speedy player hanging back between the linebackers and the secondary. One who can get involved against the run and make

it tough on receivers running routes over the middle. Safeties Verone McKinley and Jamal Hill seem like natural fits to spend time in the new role, in addition to their normal spots at free safety and the nickel.

Hill feels the transition has been smooth overall, even given the changes in scheme and playbook.

“It’s been pretty simple for me,” Hill said. “I feel like my football knowledge is growing every day, so I’m starting to see the concepts easier.”

Dissimilar to last season, the cornerback positions this year will be filled with young talent. DeRuyter will rely on Mykael Wright and DJ James at the boundary corner positions. With young cornerbacks, communication takes precedence.

“We go from the classroom to the field,” James said. “The communication on the back end is good. No matter who’s in [or] who’s not in, everyone is dialed in to what’s going on in this new defense, and it’s exciting.”

With DeRuyter’s defensive transition appearing seamless thus far, and more talent than ever dotting the sidelines of Autzen Stadium, the Ducks’ defense is poised for a potentially elite display in 2021.

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FUTURE NFL PROSPECTS RETURN TO OREGON FOR PRO DAY Oregon’s five pro day players returned to Eugene to showcase their skills to NFL scouts and share the different ways they’ve prepared for the NFL over the past year.

BY: Aaron Heisen @aaron_heisen

Jevon Holland (8), safety for the Ducks, celebrates his tackle. Oregon Ducks Football takes on Washington State at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Oct. 26, 2019. (Madi Mather/Emerald)

Ducks safety Brady Breeze (25) smiles in celebration as he holds the trophy.

Oregon Ducks football takes on Wisconsin for the 106th Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2020. (DL Young/ Emerald)

The 2019-20 Oregon football team reached its summit when it took down the Wisconsin Badgers in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 2020. For Thomas Graham Jr., Penei Sewell, Deommodore Lenoir, Brady Breeze and Jevon Holland, the Rose Bowl also marked the last game those five players would ever play together.

Graham Jr., Sewell, Breeze and Holland all decided to opt out of the 2020 season while Lenoir returned to Oregon for his final season. They each took a unique direction to prepare themselves for the next level and returned to share their journey at Oregon’s April pro day.

Lenoir initially decided to opt out, but weeks before Oregon’s season commenced, the senior cornerback announced he would play out his final year as a Duck.

Three of the Ducks’ four opt-out players were staples in the secondary, which left Lenoir as not only a leader, but the longest tenured member.

“I knew I was gonna be one of the older guys coming back,” Lenoir said. “It made me want to be more of a leader.”

As his leadership skills improved, so did his production. Adding another year of on-field action to his film was beneficial to the cornerback. He used his junior year at Oregon to showcase his talent against fellow NFL prospects at wide receiver.

Lenoir faced Brandon Aiyuk, Laviska Shenault Jr. and Michael Pittman Jr. on multiple occasions. Experience guarding players who have star potential at the next level helped improve Lenoir’s game.

“I feel like I became a smarter football player,” Lenoir said. “I feel like my I.Q. gradually went higher as I got more opportunities.”

However, for Graham Jr., Sewell, Breeze and Holland, forgoing their final year as a Duck proved beneficial in ways completely different from Lenoir.

Holland achieved great things as a Duck. He led the team in interceptions in 2018 and 2019 and in games that Holland had an interception, Oregon went 7-1. Holland left a lot on the table when he made the decision not to return to Eugene. He was projected as a Jim Thorpe Award finalist before opting out of the 2020 season.

“It was really tough to not have football in the fall,” Holland said.

Opting out of an entire season deprived him of another year of film. However, Holland was confident in the product he showcased and the numbers he accumulated during his freshman and sophomore seasons.

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Ducks offensive lineman Penei Sewell (58) holds up his championship shirt as confetti goes off. Oregon Ducks football takes on Wisconsin for the 106th Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2020. (Maddie Knight/Emerald)

“I know the level of play I’ve shown the past few years,” Holland said. “So, when I decided to opt out it wasn’t really a gamble… I knew the outcome.”

As of ESPN’s most recent mock draft, Holland is projected as an early thirdround pick. A third-round selection translates to a guaranteed rookie contract and signing bonus, the culmination of the hard work that Holland put in during his year away from Oregon.

Sewell is a projected top-five pick. During his year off, he had the privilege of training with NFL development coaches, as well as former and current players.

Sewell worked closely with Sam Baker who appeared in 75 games as the lefttackle for the Atlanta Falcons from 2008 to 2014.

“I became a sponge,” Sewell said. “I worked on my game day-in and day-out knowing that the next time I step between the lines, I’ll make the best of it.”

Graham Jr. also elected to opt out of the 2020 season, which was a tough decision for the cornerback from California. He blossomed in his final year as a Duck, highlighted by an interception in their opening game against Auburn.

During his year off, Graham was able to recover after injuring his shoulder at the end of his junior season. Resting, along with preparing for the next level, were the two most important parts of Graham’s decision to step away from Eugene.

Graham and Lenoir trained with one another after the season ended, and Graham noticed that “Lenoir had more wear and tear than [him].” He made the trade off of watching his teammates succeed without him to avoid that wear and tear.

“It was difficult because I missed playing with [my teammates],” Graham said.

“But I got time to rest and rehab my shoulder.”

Pro day was special for Graham, not only because he was able to showcase his talents in front of NFL scouts, but it was his first time returning to Eugene since he opted out. He said he quickly realized that Eugene held a place in his heart forever.

“Eugene is a safe haven for me and it felt good to be back,” Graham said. “After returning for pro day,, I did realize how much I missed my teammates.”

All of the players that participated in pro day took different paths to prepare themselves for the next level. Opting in allowed Lenoir to put together another year of film and stats for scouts to analyze, while opting out gave Graham Jr., Holland and Sewell the opportunity to rest and prepare individually for their NFL careers.

OREGON OREGON OFFENSE PLAYER # POS YR Mychah Pittman No. 4 WR-Z SO Jaylon Redd No. 6 WR-H SR Johnny Johnson III No. 3 WR-X SR George Moore No. 77 LT RS SR T.J. Bass No. 56 LG JR Alex Forsyth No. 78 OC RS JR Ryan Walk No. 53 RG RS JR Malaesala Aumavavae-Laulu No. 71 RT RS JR DJ Johnson No. 89 TE RS JR Anthony Brown No. 13 QB GR CJ Verdell No. 7 RB RS JR

OREGON DEFENSE PLAYER # POS YR Kayvon Thibodeaux No. 5 DE SO Popo Aumavae No. 30 NT RS JR Brandon Dorlus No. 3 DT SO Mase Funa No. 47 STUD SO Noah Sewell No. 1 MLB FR Isaac Slade-Matautia No. 41 WILL RS JR DJ James No. 00 BC SO Jordan Happle No. 32 BS GR Verone McKinley III No. 23 FS RS SO Mykael Wright No. 2 FC SO Jamal Hill No. 19 NB SO

OREGON SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER # POS YR Tom Snee No. 38 PT RS SO Henry Katleman No. 90 PK RS SO Karsten Battles No. 63 LS JR. Travis Dye No. 26 PR JR Camden Lewis No. 49 KO SO T H U R S D AY, A P R I L 2 9 , 2 0 2 1

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