On May 20 a Texas commit, 4-star running back Jaydon Blue, announced a decision to opt out of his senior year of high school to prepare for college football.

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Speaking to the Houston Touchdown Club, new Longhorn coach Steve Sarkisian was asked about the idea of elite high school players skipping out on their senior year at the prep level (he can't comment on a current recruit specifically.)

“I think this is bigger than one individual,” said Sarkisian. I think this is going to be something that we have to wrap our heads around. I do not think this is a one-off, one high school kid. This is somewhat of a trickle-down effect that we are dealing with from professionals, to college athletes, and now, potentially at the high school level. It’s a relatively big issue that we have got to start wrapping our brains around.”


In February, the former Washington and USC head coach signed a six-year, $34.2 million contract as the new head at UT, replacing Tom Herman.

I have done a little of chatting tonight and, based on what I have heard from some very reliable people, Banks is going to pick Oregon tomorrow.

Feeling high confidence in this right now

I’ll be the first to wander out on the plank...OH YES WE DO!!!👍💪

Looks like he could get more PT and make the team better. They need something, that's for sure.

US 100m sprint sensation Sha’ Carri Richardson is facing an Olympic suspension over having a band substance in her blood( marijuana). Richardson won the 100m in the US Olympic Trials. Prandini finished forth and therefor made the relay team.
If Richardson is not allowed to compete, that moves Jenna Prandini into representing the US in the 100m. However, Jenna is already representing the US in her best event, the 200m, as well as the 4x100. Jenna might want to remain focused on two events instead of a third where her chances of medaling as low. We will have to see how this all plays out.

He has a plan for Name, Image and Likeness, Sports Illustrated says, and as a quarterback in Texas he's primed to be an NIL top earner.

Written by our old friend Bri Amaranthus.


Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed the Texas NIL bill into law, allowing college athletes to be compensated for the use of their name, image and likeness — known by its abbreviation "NIL" - beginning on July 1. The law allows athletes to make money for anything from promotional appearances to product endorsements, autograph sessions, training sessions and social media content.

....
“For me, the most exciting part is the opportunity to utilize my name and my brand. It’s not really about the money but I am excited to have all of us student-athletes in general to be able to benefit from who we are outside of football and all sports," Shough said

Some sites project Shough as a high pick in the 2022 NFL draft, maybe even a first rounder. In the Red Raider Air Raid, he's likely to put up some gaudy numbers.

We talked about the tOSU-Oregon matchup, Kayvon Thibodeaux and the Oregon defense, Mario Cristobal and more.

In an article at FishDuck, our own Charles Fischer proposes that NIL money might bridge the gap for some players, provide enough income to cover their true expenses and needs and in some cases, encourage them to stay in school an extra year, feel less financial pressure to turn pro.

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It's an interesting reflection on a complicated, unpredictable and seismic change in college football. Nearly impossible to say this early all the ways it might affect the game.

I do agree with Charles that Oregon, with their marketing savvy and innovative, energetic approach to recruiting, will adapt to this shifting landscape better than most.

Change is inevitable. Adapt or die.

The first test of how well the Ducks are handling NIL and its ramifications is the pending announcement of J.T. Tuimoloau. Relationships seem to be the biggest decider for the Tuimoloau family, but the solidity of the plan and presentation appear to count also.

They’re having a pre sale for Oregon track season ticket holders and boosters. It is first come first serve and it started at 2:00 today. It was like the Sooners rushing into Oklahoma. I went on at 2:00 and there weren’t a lot of the quality choices that some of us have become used to … or should I say spoiled by. Tickets are pricey. Some are going for $375 for a evening session. I opted for the evening sessions for day 7 through 10. That’s four sessions.

At this point, I don’t know how tough or easy it will be to get tickets to this meet.
The pandemic has had an effect on this old world. However, it is just amazing that the University of Oregon is hosting this internationally prominent event. I wish that I could sit in my season ticket seats, but just to be able to go to a World Championships is special. Will they expand the stadium to 27,000 seats or will they go for a smaller more comfortable capacity? We’ll find out. The meet lasts 10 days. The best seat is in your home, but to go to this meet is a pinnacle experience. If you can try to get in a session it might be an experience to remember. The meet will be televised around the globe.

Man, I hate the stupid transfer portal! She is one of the best fielding shorstops in the country imo. Struggled at the plate in Pac-12 play but I know she would have made great strides next year.

Bad news, looked forward to her stepping up next year as she is only a frosh!!

Edit: May have two more, get out the popcorn!!

Hello All,

In the thread welcoming me last week, Dale Newton posted an analysis article by Coach Boles over at FishDuck, and I thought I would post his latest analysis article published today. Unlike other analysts out there, he drills down to one highly defined topic, makes it easy to understand and quick reading. As a result we learn something without having to work hard or stare at graphics to understand.

Enjoy,

Charles

P.S. Some may think I am "pimping" for my site, (an accusation I've heard before) and please note there are no ads, no pop-up videos nor a subscription at FishDuck. I do not get paid when people read it, so check it out over there, but let's discuss right here at DSA just as you would other article links that are posted here.

Say it ain't so!!

One of my all-time favorites!!

https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/20...ks-star-and-nfl-wide-receiver-dead-at-72.html

How about an article interviewing Kelly Graves to give us a heads up on this years team?

Saw this on ESPN free content. Hopefully the links survive the cut and paste. We should have another really solid team. Possibly Altman's best, at least re overall talent.
Incoming transfers galore, Bittle, and returning Frank, Dante, Richardson and Williams.
No bio link for Soares, but my recollection is that he was a top JC guy.
Johnson could be rusty after his Mission, but presumably he would have added some muscle, maturity...
Hopefully they are on campus scrimmaging, getting used to each other and just getting better. MBB recruiting class rankings just don't mean as much in the age of the portal.

Expected to return: Will Richardson (11.3 PPG), Eric Williams Jr. (10.0 PPG), N'Faly Dante (8.2 PPG), Franck Kepnang (2.6 PPG), Lok Wur (1.5 PPG)
Newcomers: Nate Bittle (No. 9), Jacob Young (14.1 PPG at Rutgers), Quincy Guerrier (13.7 PPG at Syracuse), De'Vion Harmon (12.9 PPG at Oklahoma), Isaac Johnson (No. 61 in 2019), Rivaldo Soares (JC)

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Ducks were 4th in the conference in scoring at 31.3 points per game, their lowest output since 2006, three touchdowns worse than the 49.6 they averaged in 2012.

At a school known for offense dating back to Chris Miller, Lew Barnes and Tony Cherry, even further back than that, it's crazy to not place a single player on the all-league team.

Maybe with Joe Mo having a full year and another exceptional recruiting class (Troy Franklin, Seven McGee, Kingsley and the rest) that will change.

Nicholas Anderson…. Sorry Notre Dame

Article today from Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports. The NCAA brought on yesterday's Supreme Court decision by years of delaying and denying even basic rights and reasonable concessions to student athletes.

Kemba Nelson has been selected
to be on the 4x100 relay pool for the heralded Jamaican relay team. She could end up with an Olympic medal.

The list of Oregon Olympians keeps growing!