This was exactly what Dan Lanning had in mind when he decided to invite some Oregon football legends to the annual spring game and participate in the event. He wanted them to be involved with the players, share some knowledge and most importantly have a real good time doing it.
Four of those former Ducks took on the roles of offensive and defensive coordinator with varying degrees of success.
“We’re getting to meet some legends like De’Anthony Thomas, LaMichael James, Arik Armstead, and Haloti Ngata was really, really fun. It’s also fun watching them have the stress of calling some plays and that was exciting,” Lanning said.
The most notable call came in the fourth quarter when Thomas called a play that he would have been excited to run himself. Quarterback Bo Nix found Dont’e Thornton on a crossing route and Thornton’s size and speed did the rest on a 70-yard touchdown. According to Lanning, once Thomas’ playing days are over, he might have a future job in coaching.
“I think the De’Anthony was pretty pumped after the big play score that he called. So he’s probably got that figured out,” Lanning said. “He’s ready to start doing this thing.”
But just having those great Ducks in the stadium was far more important than a touchdown in a spring game.
“Those guys are obviously phenomenal Duck football players, but they’re better human beings and just getting to spend some time around them today,” Lanning said. “They’re great representatives of what it means to be an Oregon Duck.”
Contact/Follow us @Ducks_Wire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinion.
Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football | Ducks Wire…