Head football coach Dan Lanning is focusing on growing with his new team. During Pac-12 media day on July 29, Lanning said, “The theme of the offseason has been the growth of the team.” Growth will help the Ducks have a successful season and compete during the season.
Oregon hired Lanning in December after Mario Cristobal’s departed for Miami. Coach Lanning inherits a talented roster that played in the Pac-12 championship game. Oregon went 10-4 in 2021 and Lanning is committed to building a strong roster.
What type of players does Coach Lanning want?
Players at Oregon have to put in the work to be the best versions of themselves. Additionally, coach Lanning wants players who can go above and beyond to be great. Going above and beyond ties into the theme of growth and growth mindset. Players can reach their full potential by adopting a growth mindset.
Oregon has been one of the most competitive football teams in college football. Previous Ducks teams have had a reputation for being tough, physical, and disciplined. Coach Lanning also believes he and his coaching staff have brought in the right players to help Oregon win every game during the season.
What did Coach say about recruiting?
Lanning is coming from a conference littered with talent on both sides of the ball. Lanning has a defensive background and wants fast and physical players on his defense. Khamari Terrell and Jalil Tucker are fast and long cornerbacks who committed to Oregon. Lanning said all his corners have speed, length, and size. These attributes will help Oregon’s corners match up with the wide receivers in the Pac-12.
Oregon has tried its best to recruit good football players. Lanning said, “We want to recruit the best talent in the nation.” Lanning wants to recruit the best players from the west coast Oregon has recruited top players from California. Five-star linebacker Justin Flowe committed to Oregon in 2020. Flowe attended Upland High School in Upland, California, and was ranked as the top inside linebacker in California when he committed in 2020. Oregon is using its national status to recruit players across the country. Lanning said, “Oregon is a national brand.”
Conference Realignment?
Conference realignment has caused uncertainty for the Pac-12. USC and UCLA have chosen to leave the Pac-12 and join the Big 10. However, Dan Lanning is not worried about what that means for Oregon. Lanning believes Oregon’s national brand and winning culture will help Oregon stay put in the Pac-12.
