EUGENE, OR—After an impressive showing in the spring game, Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning spoke on the team’s progress, standout players, and the future of the program.
The energy in Autzen Stadium was incredible as fans packed the stands in support of the Oregon Spring Game.
“It’s just really, really fun to play in the atmosphere that this place sets up … Our fans were incredible. They always come out, and I’m really proud of that,” he said.
That raucous environment obviously lifts the team, and it’s further evidence of the passionate fan base Oregon has.
Although the spring game is designed to preview the upcoming season, Lanning stressed the importance of getting better. “There is a lot we can clean up film-wise. I am certain you guys will over-critique it and say, ‘It’s so much funnier than I thought it was going to be!‘” he said.
Lanning spoke about the quarterback position, that’s still room for improvement.
“Some good, some bad. It’s the same answer you’re going to get from me a lot,” he explained. Lanning added that while there were some “really positive plays,” there were also times when the execution wasn’t as sharp.
That honesty is another example of Lanning’s push for transparency and accountability in the program.
One of the positives was Dylan Gresham’s play during the Spring game.
“Probably one of our most improved players from this past season. Gresham showed solid growth, catching balls in traffic and solidifying himself as a reliable target,” Lanning said. “He’s improved so much as a returner,” and he went on to stress Gresham’s development over the offseason.
Lanning was also taken by Kenyon Sadiq’s development.
“A guy that’s continued to get better, work extremely hard, and do his role for the team, whatever that he’s got on,” he acknowledged Sadiq’s continuing presence on the side since stepping in.
Lanning emphasized the competition on the team and between the defense. “There has been some good competition back and forth throughout the spring,” he said, an environment conducive to growth and a taste for resilience among players.
“Luke Moga and Blake Purchase are the young guys that will step up. Moga is an athletic quarterback who has developed into ‘a complete quarterback’ with better timing and decision-making,” he said. In the meantime, Purchase has changed dramatically in body and mind, becoming “a complete outside linebacker” who’s ready to make his mark this year.
And with the Ducks preparing for the upcoming season, Lanning remains positive about the young talent blossoming at Autzen in a challenging environment.
“Not everybody in the country gets to play in that type of environment for spring game… We talk about iron sharpens iron, and I think we got to see a little bit of that.”
With an obvious focus on getting better and an appealing crop of talent on hand, Dan Lanning is guiding Oregon Ducks football into a thrilling next chapter. With Lanning at the helm, fans have reason to be excited about what they see coming this coming season.
