Oregon’s running backs room is starting to take shape in a hurry, and the early buzz is centered on the freshmen.
After Wednesday’s practice in Eugene, running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples made it clear that Tradarian Ball and Brandon Smith are already flashing enough to matter this fall. Oregon doesn’t need either newcomer to carry a huge load right away, thanks to Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr., but Samples said both freshmen are showing they can help.
“There's been so much growth from those guys,” Samples said on Wednesday. “They've really been playing some good ball here lately.”
Ball, who starred at Texarcana and was often more of a pass catcher than a pure runner, is bringing that versatility with him. Smith arrives with serious speed, having run 10.67 in the 100 meters as a prep. Samples said both backs can create problems all over the field.
"They're two guys that are super versatile. They can play receiver.
They can catch the ball out of the backfield," Samples said. "They're mismatches in every facet."
The next step is the one every young back has to survive: learning what happens when the play is between the tackles and the bodies start flying. Samples said that part of the transition is still a work in progress.
"Those guys are learning the physicality it takes to play this game at a high level," Samples explained. "I think that's the biggest transition when you come from high school and play this game. You've got to continue to be physical every single day."
Samples also spoke publicly for the first time since his DUII arrest in April. Earlier this month, more details came out saying he had identified himself as De'Sean Jackson, his stated favorite player, and fled the scene. Oregon coach Dan Lanning addressed the matter last week, saying they "take it extremely seriously" and that "accountabilities" had already been put into place and completed.
Samples took responsibility on Wednesday.
"Back in April, I made some decisions that I regret now and wish I could take back," Samples began. "They were addressed back in April, and Coach Lanning held me accountable.
I have to take full accountability for that, and I continue to take full accountability for that. It's important that I continue to grow and earn those guys' trust in the locker room, grow my coworkers' trust and grow the trust of the people here in this building.
Other than that, man, I'm just continuing to push those guys every single day."
Now entering his third season as Oregon’s running backs coach, Samples remains a central figure in a run game that has been a major part of the program’s success.
On the other side of the ball, linebacker Dylan Williams sounded ready for a bigger role of his own. With Brayden Platt working his way back, Williams has a clearer path to playing time, but he said his preparation would have him ready either way.
Williams said the biggest part of his growth has been learning the defense and reshaping his body. He pointed to the veterans who helped guide him early in his career.
"Being under guys like Bryce [Boettcher] and my freshman year Jeffrey Bassa, I was able to learn from them guys and see the mistakes they've made and the things they've done well, and it add it my game," Williams stated.
He also said he has trimmed his body fat from 17-percent to 15-percent, a sign of the work he’s put in before the season.
"My strength coaching staff put a lot of time and effort into me, so I appreciate that," Williams shared. "I just feel really confident going into the season knowing that I put work in."
There’s also a veteran presence in Oregon’s backfield that Samples believes has been invaluable. Colorado transfer Simeon Price, 23, has already played at Mississippi State, Coastal Carolina and Colorado across five years, and he’s now in year six. The room calls him “unc,” and Samples said he functions like another coach.
"The boys joke that they don't know who's older, me or Simeon," Samples said.
Price brings more than age. He brings perspective, stories and leadership to a room that is otherwise made up of three sophomores and two true freshmen. Sophomore Da’Jaun Riggs said Price has become the kind of older voice the group needs.
"He gives us a lot of stories, a lot of histories," Riggs said.
Samples said Price will even ask for the floor when he wants to speak to the room himself.
"Sometimes he asks me, 'Hey, Coach Sam, let me just talk to these guys for a minute'," Samples said. "It's different when you've got a player-led room.
When you've got a guy in this room who has had three or four different offensive coordinators, three or four head coaches, it gives you perspective from experience. They all trust him.
They believe in him. Those guys in that room love each other.
"Simeon has been a blessing to the room on top of what he brings to the football field. I couldn't have wished for a better guy to get out of the portal. He leads those guys."
Oregon will keep rolling through fall camp this week, with media availability set again after practices on Friday and Saturday. The Ducks’ first scrimmage is scheduled for Aug. 15.
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