Jay, here.

A couple of weeks ago, a thread (”DuckD’s In-Depth Pre-Spring Depth Chart”) from one of the eDuck message boards came across my desk here at Duck Sports News and caught my attention.

So, I decided to shoot an email to DuckD to see I could share his analysis with other Duck fans through Duck Sports News. Upon completing his preview, he was more than happy to email his entire entry (Thank you, DuckD).

Instead of publishing the entire entry here, I’ve decided to break it up into more bite-size parts over the course of several days. Here’s a look at the schedule:

Offense
Friday, March 21st: Quarterback
Saturday, March 22nd: Running Back
Sunday, March 23rd: Wide Receiver
Monday, March 24th: Tight End, Half Back
Tuesday, March 25th: Offensive Line

Defense
Wednesday, March 26th: Defensive End
Thursday, March 27th: Defensive Tackle
Friday, March 28th: Linebacker
Saturday, March 29th: Cornerback
Sunday, March 30th: Safety

Here’s DuckD’s preview of Defensive Ends:

DuckD’s Spring Preview: DEFENSIVE END

Photography courtesy of Oregon Duckcast Network & Cameron Resnick.

Probable Starter: Nick Reed sr., Will Tukuafu jr.
Depth: Kenny Rowe so., Brandon Bair so., Dominic Glover fr., John Laidet fr., Michael Speed sr., Michael DiVincenzo jr.
Incoming: None.

Analysis: Nick Reed was 1st Team All Pac-10 as well as 2nd Team All-American (SI.com) after a junior season where he gathered 60 tackles (22.5 for loss) and 12 sacks. He was a terror as a junior and should only be better as a senior. His motor never stops. He’s quick off the ball, and he has improved every year as a run stopper. He also was named to ESPN the Magazine’s Academic All-America first team with a 3.39 GPA. All around great Duck.

The play of Will Tukuafu as a sophomore is one thing that helped Reed last fall, and I think his likely improvement in his second season of play will make the two of them one of the most feared duos in the Pac-10 (if not nation) next year. Tukuafu made an immediate impact last fall, even playing DT in some pass coverages. Having terrific size (6′4″ 280) and good speed, Tukuafu is a great combination of pass rusher and run stopper. The talented combination of Reed and Tukuafu will help with the transition of 2 new full time starters at DT.

Kenny Rowe was a pass rushing terror as a true freshman, accumulating 5 sacks in his first fall of action. He produced in big game situations, recording a sack at The Big House as well as in the Sun Bowl. The biggest thing Rowe needs is just to get bigger and stronger. He played last fall at only 6′3″ 215 and will need to bulk up considerably in order to garner more playing time, otherwise he will mostly be a passing down specialist.

Brandon Bair has a lot of ability and just needs more refining of technique and game experience. He is outstanding as a punt/field goal blocker and solid in run support. He has terrific size at 6′7″ 250 and could put on more weight without losing a step.

Dominic Glover spent last fall redshirting, trying to gain more knowledge of the the position as well as add to his 6′5″ 230lbs frame. He will be one to keep an eye on to see how much he has improved and how much of an impact he can make in the fall.

Michael Speed may or may not play DE this year. I have included him with the DEs because, unless he gets considerably bigger and stronger, this is the position where he is capable of making the most impact. He has terrific technique and uses his hands well. He could be a solid run support DE.

John Laidet was recently switched from TE to DE. It will be interesting to watch his development, as many were unsure of his placement on offense due to most of his high school acclaim coming from the defensive side of the ball. I say, if DE is where his natural talents lie, this is a great move. He will have an opportunity to play his way into the rotation this year.

I add Michael DiVincenzo into this mix for one reason: that glorious interception for a TD in the Sun Bowl against South Florida. How incredible it must have been for a walk on player, who probably had very faint hopes to even get in for 1 play in the bowl game, to not only play a good amount but to make such a dramatic play and get all that praise afterward from his teammates. It is awesome to see hard work get paid off in such a beautiful way. Way to go, Michael!

Tomorrow: DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Tags: Ducks, Football, oregon, Practice, Spring