The fourth week of Oregon spring practice commenced on Tuesday morning with a fully-padded session on the HDC practice turfs under clear skies.
Following the first spring scrimmage a few days prior, the Ducks resumed a physical session with a full-contact ball security drill, concluding the open portion to media.
Tysheem Johnson, defensive back, returned on Tuesday after missing Thursday’s practice, as confirmed by Dan Lanning to reporters over the weekend. However, junior offensive lineman Dave Iuli was absent for the second consecutive media-accessible practice, along with linebacker Jestin Jacobs, defensive back Daylen Austin, and outside linebacker Jaxson Jones, who has been dealing with injury throughout the camp.
Jahlil Florence, Bryce Boettcher, and Rodrick Pleasant remain sidelined due to injury, baseball commitments, and track and field obligations, respectively, with limited participation in spring activities. Florence and Boettcher have yet to practice.
Special teams drills initiated the practice, with Ross James, Luke Dunne, and Gage Hurych handling punts, while Tez Johnson, Gary Bryant Jr., Dillon Gresham, Ryan Pellum, and Evan Stewart served as returners.
Andrew Boyle, Grant Meadors, and Atticus Sappington focused on squib kicks and ground balls with the return unit, while Jordan James, Noah Whittington, Jay Harris, Jeremiah McClellan, Nikko Reed, and Preston Alford practiced kick returns using a machine.
Towards the end of the special teams period, Coach Lanning orchestrated a “fire drill” kick, with the field goal unit rushing onto the field as the countdown began. Grant Meadors’ attempt from 30-40 yards narrowly missed wide left, striking the hydraulic lift next to the goalposts.
Subsequently, the team engaged in a ball security drill, with quarterbacks delivering passes to offensive players while defensive players sought to dislodge the ball from various angles.
