Ex-Oregon WR Keanon Lowe Stops Armed Man at Portland High School
May 17, 2019
EUGENE, OR -SEPTEMBER 06: Wide receiver Keanon Lowe #7 of the Oregon Ducks scores a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Autzen Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 46-27. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Former Oregon Ducks wide receiver Keanon Lowe "wrestled a suspect to the ground" at Parkrose High School in Portland, Oregon, on Friday amid reports of a man with a firearm on the school's campus, according to the Oregonian's Jim Ryan.
Police in Portland confirmed a school staff member brought the suspect down, and parents and students credited Lowe as the staff member.
Ryan reported a city dispatcher had listed the situation "as a suicide attempt or threat with weapon." Eyewitnesses said the suspect was a student at the school, though authorities wouldn't confirm the person's identity.
Lowe brought down the suspect next to the school's tennis courts, and no injuries were reported from the scene. One student told Ryan the suspect had pulled out a gun but didn't point it at anyone.
Lowe addressed the incident Saturday on Twitter:
When I signed up to be a Security Guard, Football and Track & Field Coach for Parkrose High School, I did so to guide and coach young people whose shoes I had once been in. I had no idea, that I would one day have to put my life on the line like I did yesterday for my students.
When confronted with the test the universe presented me with, I didn't see any other choice but to act. Thank God, I passed. I've spent the last 24 hours being more appreciative of my family and realizing we have a serious problem.
I'm blessed to be alive and extremely happy that the students are safe. I'm not sure what's next, I haven't had the time to really think about it. But I am sure I want to be a part of the solution to school gun violence. Thank you @PortlandPolice for your help #ParkroseHighSchool
Lowe spent five years at Oregon, redshirting the 2010 season and playing for the team from 2011 to 2014. In addition to winning two Rose Bowls with the Ducks, he caught 68 passes for 891 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Portland native took over as Parkrose's head football coach in February 2018. He guided the school to the state's Class 5A playoffs with a 5-4 regular-season record.
Justin Herbert, Mighty Oregon Beat Fighting Ducks in 2019 Oregon Spring Game
Apr 20, 2019
Mighty Oregondefeated the Fighting Ducks 20-13in the Oregon spring game Saturday at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Potential Heisman Trophy candidate Justin Herbert looked to be in midseason form at times during the game, as the senior quarterback finished with 219 yards and two touchdowns on 17-of-32 passingfor Mighty Oregon despite facing off against the first-team defense.
Herbert was aided by the play of running back C.J. Verdell and graduate transfer wide receiver Juwan Johnson, who both made some big plays during the game. Johnson was especially productive with three catches and a touchdown.
Mighty Oregon received a strong performance from highly touted freshman defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. The skilled pass-rusher wreaked havoc on Oregon's second-team offensive line at times and finished with a sack.
For the Fighting Ducks, much of the focus was on redshirt freshman quarterback Tyler Shough, who acquitted himself well with 178 yards and one interception on 18-of-31 passing.
After the Fighting Ducks took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter, Mighty Oregon and the first-team offense struck back. After Herbert connected with Verdell on a 64-yard pass play, Herbert found Johnson for a six-yard touchdown on a perfectly executed fade route:
The touchdown pass was the first sign of Herbert and Johnson having some chemistry, but it was far from the only time they would connect during the game:
Shough did not throw or run for a touchdown in the first half of Saturday's game, but he made some impressive throws that likely inspired confidence among the Oregon faithful.
In addition to showing he could throw the deep ball on a completion to Josh Delgado, Shough showcased his ability to throw on the run with a sideline strike to Mycah Pittman:
Habibi-Likio was among the Fighting Ducks' biggest weapons, and he figures to be a key part of Oregon's backfield rotation in 2019 along with Verdell and Travis Dye.
The Fighting Ducks had a chance to take the lead in the second quarter, but their drive stalled out in the red zone when Thibodeaux sacked Shough on fourth down.
Erik Skopil of Duck Territory noted that Thibodeaux already looks ready to make a significant impact as a freshman:
There's that man. Kayvon Thibodeaux with the sack to end the Fighting Ducks drive in the red zone. He's been in the backfield all day. Clearly ready to be a player.
A field goal late in the closing seconds of the first half gave Mighty Oregon a 13-10 lead heading into the locker room, but it wasn't long before it added to that advantage.
Playing against a running clock in the second half, Herbert threw his second touchdown of the day in the second quarter on a nine-yard corner route to Jaylon Redd:
Justin Herbert with a pretty pass to Jaylon Redd for a touchdown.
The junior wideout had been quiet to that point, but he is Oregon's top returning receiver and figures to form a dynamic pass-catching duo with Johnson.
The Fighting Ducks made it interesting with a field goal in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 20-13, but that turned out to be the final margin.
As expected, Herbert was the star of the game, and his ability to utilize both his new and returning weapons figures to be among the biggest takeaways for head coach Mario Cristobal.
After rebounding from two tough campaigns in a row to go 9-4 last season, the Ducks are set to enter 2019 as a top contender to win the Pac-12 and represent the conference in the Rose Bowl or perhaps even the College Football Playoff.
Oregon Spring Game 2019: Odds, Date, Time, TV Schedule, Live Stream
Apr 19, 2019
Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert throws down field against Arizona State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Justin Herbert and the Oregon Ducks will wrap up early offseason workouts with the 2019 spring game at Autzen Stadium.
Considered one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2020 NFL draft, Herbert is the main attraction of the exhibition. The Ducks, though, have a 5-star freshman ready to emerge as a superstar.
Oregon has aspirations of winning the Pac-12 and competing for a national title in 2019, and the spring game will provide the first national look at the retooled roster.
Last season, the Ducks enjoyed a stellar connection between Herbert and first-team All-Pac-12 wideout Dillon Mitchell.
The NFL-bound standout piled up team-high marks across the board, tallying 75 catches for 1,184 yards and 10 touchdowns. The next-highest contributor in each category―Jaylon Redd―had 38 receptions, 433 yards and five scores.
Dillon Mitchell has made Oregon history!@DMFM1_ is now the single-season record for receiving yards, breaking Josh Huff's 1,140 yards set in 2013 #GoDuckspic.twitter.com/p5R38SFOX3
Who will emerge as the No. 1 wide receiver in 2019?
Redd is the early favorite, given his previous production. However, 433 yards isn't a terribly high bar to clear. Johnny Johnson III and Brenden Schooler both have consecutive seasons of 200-plus yards, but their contributions actually dropped last year.
The Ducks are hoping some combination of Penn State transfer Juwan Johnson, redshirt freshman Bryan Addison and 4-star enrollees Mycah Pittman and Josh Delgado develop into key pieces. They could be valuable complements for tight ends Jacob Breeland and Cam McCormick.
While the regular season is still months away, Herbert's rapport with these players is worth monitoring.
Kayvon Thibodeaux To Make Unofficial Debut
Oregon fans must be eager to watch Kayvon Thibodeaux―the highest-rated recruit in program history―play in Autzen Stadium.
In what should surprise approximately no one, the 5-star defensive end quickly earned praise for his performance this spring.
"We are excited about what he is doing," defensive coordinator Andy Avalos said midway through the spring, per Steve Mims of The Register-Guard. "He has been very disruptive and productive in the run game and the passing game."
Thibodeaux intercepted a pass during the team's first scrimmage and will be looking to make a greater impact in the spring game.
As with any exhibition, the results don't mean everything. The daily workouts and practices cumulatively have a larger impact on a player's evaluation. But if Thibodeaux shines, the possibility of him being a full-time starter will only look better.
Follow Bleacher Report writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR
Oregon Rumors: Boise State DC Andy Avalos to Join Ducks in Same Role
Feb 26, 2019
The Oregon Ducks reportedly are set to hire Boise State Broncos defensive coordinator Andy Avalos to fill the same role on their staff.
Dave Southorn of the Idaho Statesman reported the news Tuesday.
Avalos, who played linebacker for Boise State from 2001 through 2004, spent the past seven seasons on the Broncos staff. He was hired as the team's defensive line coach in 2012 and was eventually promoted to defensive coordinator in January 2016.
"It's his motor," Broncos cornerback Tyler Horton, a potential 2019 NFL draft pick, toldChadd Cripeof theIdaho Statesmanin November 2017 about what made Avalos a special coach. "His motor is always rolling."
Boise State finished the 2018 season 39th in total defense and 35th in scoring defense. It also led the country in fumbles recovered with 17 and ranked 12th in sacks.
Avalos also spent time as a defensive coach with the Colorado Buffaloes as well as the Sacramento State Hornets (FCS) and Nebraska-Kearney Lopers (Division II).
He'll inherit an Oregon defense that rated 41st in defensive efficiency during the 2018 campaign, perESPN.com.
The already middling group will need to replace three impact seniors—linebacker Justin Hollins, who led the team with 6.5 sacks, as well as linebacker Jalen Jelks and safety Ugochukwu Amadi.
Oregon does have an impressive group of incoming freshmen for Avalos to mold, led by 5-star defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, the No. 2 overall prospect in247Sports' composite rankings for 2019.
Oregon DC Jim Leavitt Parts Ways with Ducks; Contract Buyout Worth Up to $2.5M
Feb 14, 2019
In this photo made Sept. 19, 2009, University of South Florida head coach Jim Leavitt watches his team play Charleston Southern during a NCAA college football game, in Tampa, Fla. Leavitt has been fired following an investigation of an allegation that he struck one of his players in the locker room. USF would not confirm Leavitt's dismissal, but university spokeswoman Lara Wade said all questions would be answered when the school released a report later Friday, Jan. 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
After two seasons as Oregon's defensive coordinator, Jim Leavitt decided to leave the school on Thursday.
Per Stadium's Brett McMurphy, Oregon confirmed a mutual parting of ways with Leavitt. His contract includes a buyout worth up to $2.5 million, with the amount he receives depending on if he finds another job.
PerMatt Prehmof 247Sports, co-defensive coordinator Keith Heyward is expected to be promoted to Leavitt's position.
Leavitt has been at Oregon since December 2016 when he was hired to join Willie Taggart's coaching staff. The Ducks struggled on defense in his first season,finishing82nd in the nation with 29.0 points allowed per game.
After Taggart left for Florida State in December 2017, Leavitt was retained to work with new head coach Mario Cristobal.
The Ducks defense improved in its second season under Leavitt,allowing25.4 points per game en route to a 9-4 record.
In addition to his work at Oregon, Leavitt spent 13 seasons as head coach at South Florida from 1997-2009. The 62-year-old went 95-57 with the Bulls. He was also linebackers coach with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14 and defensive coordinator at Colorado from 2015-16.
Ex-Oregon OL Doug Brenner Says School Ran Workouts Designed to Have Players Quit
Jan 14, 2019
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 19: Isolated view of Oregon Ducks helmets on the sideline during the Ducks game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
Former Oregon Ducks lineman Doug Brenner—who is suing the school, former head coach Willie Taggart, former strength coach Irele Oderinde and the NCAA for negligence—opened up about his experience within the football program and with the coaches.
"He made it very clear that he was looking for guys to leave so that he could have our scholarships," Brenner said of Taggart on Monday, per John Canzano of The Oregonian. He also said the workouts that led to the hospitalization of him and two teammates permanently damaged his kidneys and left his urine "black like coffee or Coca Cola."
He called Oderinde, who is now at Florida State with Taggart, "extremely unqualified."
The workouts—which Brenner said players were instructed not to publicly talk about—occurred in January 2017 after Taggart took the Oregon job following four seasons as the head coach of South Florida.
Brenner, offensive lineman Sam Poutasi and tight end Cam McCormick were all hospitalized. Canzano noted Brenner's lawsuit is seeking $11.5 million in damages.
On Wednesday, James Crepea of The Oregonian first reported Brenner was suing the school and his former coaches, noting the players suffered from rhabdomyolysis and other injuries.
Crepea cited the lawsuit that revealed Taggart told the team the coaching staff was "going to focus on discipline in strength and conditioning and that they were 'going to find the snakes in the grass and cut their heads off.'"
Crepea also reported on Friday that Poutasi was also suing the school, Taggart, Oderinde and the NCAA for $5 million in damages.
The University of Oregon issued the following statement in response to the lawsuits, per Crepea:
"The well-being and safety of our students are our top priorities at the University of Oregon. We have been advised of the litigation filed (Thursday), but have not been served a copy of the complaint, at which point we will respond appropriately in the court proceedings. In light of the pending litigation, we don’t have any additional comment at this time."
Taggart coached Oregon for just one season, going 7-5 in 2017 before accepting the Florida State job.
Oregon Player Sam Poutasi Sues Willie Taggart, NCAA, School for $5 Million
Jan 12, 2019
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 19: Isolated view of Oregon Ducks helmets on the sideline during the Ducks game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Sam Poutasi filed a $5 million negligence lawsuit against the NCAA, the University of Oregon, former Ducks head coach Willie Taggart and former Ducks strength and conditioning coach Irele Oderinde in relation to a January 2017 offseason workout that led to him spending a week in the hospital.
On Friday, James Crepea of The Oregonian reported Poutasi is seeking damages for "physical and emotional pain, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, and diminishment of avocational abilities, in the past, present, and future" after he suffered rhabdomyolysis.
Former Ducks offensive lineman Doug Brenner filed asimilar lawsuitWednesday, seeking $11.5 million in damages from the same "strenuous" workouts.
The lawsuits allege players were not allowed to drink water during the first day of workouts and the sessions were likened to basic military training, per Crepea.
Brenner toldFox 12 Oregonhis body "gave out" during the final day but added that he felt the pressure to perform because the staff was "trying to see who was going to quit."
"My pee was black. Looked like coffee. My arms were so big and swollen, I couldn't take my own shirt off," Brenner said. "I couldn't even reach my face to eat."
He added: "My body is ruined. My kidneys are damaged. My life might be shorter because of this."
Crepea provided a statement Oregon issued in response to both lawsuits:
"The well-being and safety of our students are our top priorities at the University of Oregon. We have been advised of the litigation filed [Thursday], but have not been served a copy of the complaint, at which point we will respond appropriately in the court proceedings. In light of the pending litigation, we don't have any additional comment at this time."
Taggart currently serves as head coach of the Florida State Seminoles. Oderinde is also at FSU as the team's head strength and conditioning coach.
Oregon Backup QB Braxton Burmeister Reportedly Enters Transfer Portal
Jan 11, 2019
Oregon Ducks backup quarterback Braxton Burmeister has entered the transfer portal, according to 247Sports' Matt Prehm.
This report comes just over two weeks after starter Justin Herbert announced he would return for his senior season rather than declare for the 2019 NFL draft.
Entering the transfer portal does not necessarily mean Burmeister will be leaving Oregon. It does, however, give him the opportunity to explore his options outside of Eugene and see if another program would give him more playing time.
Coming out of high school,247Sportsrated Burmeister as a 4-star recruit and the 10th-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the class of 2017. Prior to becoming a Duck, he had previously committed to the University of Arizona.
And while he was a highly-rated prospect, the 6'1", 206-pound quarterback hasn't had much of a chance to show what he can do at the college level, as he has been buried behind Herbert on the depth chart.
When Herbert was injured in 2017, though, Burmeister started five games, appearing in seven games total, as a true freshman. Burmeister completed 57.1 percent of his passes for 330 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions in 2017, adding 102 yards and three scores on the ground.
This past season, Burmeister completed five of his 10 pass attempts for 43 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions, running for 29 yards as well. As Prehm noted, Burmeisterwas able to redshirt the 2018 season, though, by appearing in only four games for Oregon.
Former Oregon OL Doug Brenner Sues Willie Taggart, NCAA, School for $11.5M
Jan 9, 2019
The Oregon logo is seen during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game against TCU, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Austin Gay)
Former Oregon offensive lineman Doug Brenner is seeking $11.5 million in damages in a lawsuit levied against the NCAA, the University of Oregon, former head coach Willie Taggart and former strength coach Irele Oderinde, according to James Crepea of The Oregonian.
According to the report:
"Brenner's attorneys allege the University of Oregon was negligent for failing to prohibit, regulate or supervise the workouts, which they describe as 'physical punishment regimens.' The lawsuit also alleges that Taggart and Oderinde, both now at Florida State, were negligent in imposing and carrying out the workouts, and that the NCAA has failed to regulate such practices by coaches of its member institutions."
Brenner was hospitalized in January 2017 with "rhabdomyolysis and subsequent injuries" after a series of intense offseason workouts.
Brenner is seeking damages both for the medical bills he accrued due to the workouts and the "severe injuries, some of which are permanent, permanent renal injury, a shortening of his life span by upwards of 10 years, increased susceptibility of kidney failure, kidney disease, and death, severe physical and emotional pain, [and premature death] and an impaired opportunity to play football in college and thereafter."
According to Crepea, offensive lineman Sam Poutasi and tight end Cam McCormick were also hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis which "results from the death of muscle fibers and release of their contents into the bloodstream" and "can lead to serious complications such as renal failure," perWebMD.
Neither Poutasi or McCormick is a part of the lawsuit.
One of Brenner's lawyers, Mark McDougal, described the offseason workouts that Taggart and Oderinde allegedly instituted:
"The drills were done in unison, and whenever a player faltered, vomited, or fainted, his teammates were immediately punished with additional repetitions. A key goal of this lawsuit is to force the NCAA to ban these kinds of punishing, abusive workouts. These workouts are contrary to NCAA guidelines for protecting players from injury and death. The NCAA needs to enact and enforce regulations that outlaw these practices."
Crepea reported that sources indicated that water was made available to the players during the workouts when they were allowed breaks and that some of Oregon's players involved in the workouts "downplayed" them in social media posts at the time,though Oderinde was suspended for a month without pay by the program in January 2017.
Taggart is now the head coach at Florida State, and Oderinde is now the strength and conditioning coach for the Seminoles.
Mighty Oregon defeated the Fighting Ducks 20-13 in the Oregon spring game Saturday at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
