Spring Practice #2 report - some praise for D-Line

[echo31]

http://oregon.scout.com/2/852652.html

The defensive line -- and the defense in general -- played with impressive intensity and aggressiveness on Wednesday. Senior defensive end Will Tukuafu and Junior defensive tackle Brandon Bair were two players of note that flashed good ability to collapse the pocket and fluster the quarterback.

[UOducksTK1]

Although it's early, any good news regarding our D-line is reassuring. Blair needs to add some weight though.

[gregspechtismyhero]

Very interesting article, it's sounding like the defense is finally living up to it's potential. I just hope that Greatwood can get his boys under control, but I'm not too concerned about that. Otherwise, very positive news, but what's gonna happen with Nate Costa? I haven't heard anything about him lately, is there any way he takes the starting spot from Masoli? it sounds like he was lookin really good.

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[gofightingducks]

Very interesting article, it's sounding like the defense is finally living up to it's potential. I just hope that Greatwood can get his boys under control, but I'm not too concerned about that. Otherwise, very positive news, but what's gonna happen with Nate Costa? I haven't heard anything about him lately, is there any way he takes the starting spot from Masoli? it sounds like he was lookin really good.

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It sounds like at this point it is Masoli's job with Thomas a close second and then Roper and then Costa. It will probably stay that way!

http://oregon.rivals.com/barrier_noentr ... &mid=&rid=

Masoli showed that he is still the man behind center, without much question. I was a bit dissapointed to see Roper and especially Costa fall back a bit. Costa still gets limited snaps so that he gets eased back into things, but he didn't do much today to earn many more. Roper's timing was off, but just as in the first practice, he seemed to be under more pressure from the defense. Thomas is looking more and more like a viable second option, and his obvious advantage in the speed department has made me more excited to see him get time on the field than my previous hopes of getting him a redshirt season. His arm strength and accuracy look right in line with Masoli, but Jeremiah's ability to stand above the rest in his lightning quick decision-making keeps him in solid position for the top spot.

[karlhungis]

Very interesting article, it's sounding like the defense is finally living up to it's potential. I just hope that Greatwood can get his boys under control, but I'm not too concerned about that. Otherwise, very positive news, but what's gonna happen with Nate Costa? I haven't heard anything about him lately, is there any way he takes the starting spot from Masoli? it sounds like he was lookin really good.

200th post

It sounds like at this point it is Masoli's job with Thomas a close second and then Roper and then Costa. It will probably stay that way!

http://oregon.rivals.com/barrier_noentr ... &mid=&rid=

Masoli showed that he is still the man behind center, without much question. I was a bit dissapointed to see Roper and especially Costa fall back a bit. Costa still gets limited snaps so that he gets eased back into things, but he didn't do much today to earn many more. Roper's timing was off, but just as in the first practice, he seemed to be under more pressure from the defense. Thomas is looking more and more like a viable second option, and his obvious advantage in the speed department has made me more excited to see him get time on the field than my previous hopes of getting him a redshirt season. His arm strength and accuracy look right in line with Masoli, but Jeremiah's ability to stand above the rest in his lightning quick decision-making keeps him in solid position for the top spot.

The article in the OP makes it sound different than you do.

" Junior Nate Costa continues to be, arguably, the most impressive quarterback of the bunch. He was sharp once again in all drills he participated in, demonstrating good velocity throwing and decision-making ability with the ball in his hands. "

[woundedknees]

The coaches have said for some time that the luck with Nate's knee was the only reason the Ducks went into a tailspin post DD.

Then when Darron Thomas entered the picture, NC became big brother/mentor/teacher for the young guys.

That would seem to indicate a high level of ability and football smarts.

I could see him moving as high as #2 on the depth chart, allowing the Ducks the luxury of a RS for DT, assuming Nate continues to successfully rehab the knee.

Time will tell.

[karlhungis]

So even if he continues to outperform Masoli, like the article makes it sound, that he will only go as high as number 2 on the depth chart?

[Tray Dub]

So even if he continues to outperform Masoli, like the article makes it sound, that he will only go as high as number 2 on the depth chart?

If he legitimately can outperform Masoli in spring and fall (when he's full-contact), I doubt CK goes with Masoli. The coaches willl go with who we think has the best capabilities/potential/intangibles for our offense. That being said, I doubt Masoli gets beat out just because he's so talented.

[karlhungis]

Has Chip said that it is an open competition or is the job pretty much Masoli's based off of his performance last year?

[GoDucksIn09]

2 season ending knee injuries makes me feel that as much as Nathan Costa seems to be a level headed guy .. he will never see the playing field competitvely again. I admire his willingness to continue pushing forward bu do not think he can handle the bruising play of the Pac 10. How do you think with the finish Masoli had if he was not the first string qb. I see no reason to bench him for Costa. Masoli has done it on the field.

[brich75]

Has Chip said that it is an open competition or is the job pretty much Masoli's based off of his performance last year?

im pretty sure he said its an open competition. On a side not i was watching the news they had a clip with blount and his walking boot on. just from what i saw i didnt get the impression his foot was bad at all..

[brich75]

if costa were in at qb i would have to think that our run game would suffer a bunch! I just dont see the coaches wanting to have him running down the field taking hits.this in turn would let the defense key on our rb.I could be wrong but i dont think i am.
On the other hand our passing game might increase 10 fold.
I dont know what to think.

[buckmarkduck]

CK said it is an open comp. but, he did say that with the way Masoli ended the season it's woudn;t be right not to have him #1 right now.

[midwestduck82]

I don't think that Costa's knee can take the weight of being the #1 guy. Also, the coaches will not take the risk of Masoli losing his rhythm when any play could be Costa's last. I do believe that he should be the #2 guy (if he is doing that well) so the team can get the most out of Thomas.

[Mops]

I am on major wait and see mode for both OL and DL and even RB production. The depth at DL is terrible on pure body count reasons let alone the talent is vastly unproven or hasn't lived up to the bill.