By Justin Grossweiner

Oregon Football begins their first day of fall camp on Friday, but before that time the team hosted its first local media availability session of the season Tuesday afternoon at Autzen Stadium. Head Coach Mario Cristobal started the proceedings by giving a 30 minute press conference followed by two 15 minute press conferences with Senior wide receiver Johnny Johnson III as well as Sophomore safety Verone McKinley. After Oregon's head coach and the two player's left the podium an open session of requested student-athletes were met by a media scrum to finish off the days events.

Coach Cristobal is heading into his 4th season as the head coach for the Ducks, and he detailed optimism for his program heading into fall camp. While the team hasn't officially named its starting quarterback all signs point to Senior Anthony Brown being the heavy favorite take the position. He will enter camp starting with the first team offense, and he also remains the only QB on the roster with in-game playing experience. Cristobal mentioned that running back Sean Dollars is progressing well from a leg injury suffered late last season, and stated Jaylen Smith is close to being a "full go" as well. He also stated that he does not believe anyone else will be out day one when full contact practice begins on Friday except for Trey Benson, and Cam McCormick who remain close to returning. While the roster remains largely the same Cristobal expects team growth in "every way whatsoever," and credits a good mix of talented young underclassmen and experienced veterans as the reason why the Ducks didn't pursue any transfers this off-season.

When KWVA spoke to Anthony Brown he detailed on how his leadership would be felt in more ways than just vocally. After a full off-seasons worth of work with his receivers it seems that he is as comfortable as he has been in his role for the Ducks. While there is uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic heading into the season he proclaimed that he was looking forward to this season being "more normal" than last year. Brown, a super senior, was in a backup role for the majority of last season before being thrown into the mix in the teams last two games; including the Fiesta Bowl. Brown thew for over 4,800 yards along with 40 touchdowns in his three years as a starter for Boston College, but he also dealt with two major injuries before transferring to Oregon ahead of the 2020 season. Now he's leading a talented QB room with the trio of Freshman Jay Butterfield, two sport athlete Robby Ashford, and Ty Thomson. Thomson is the highest rated QB recruit in the school's history.

Starting offensive lineman Alex Forsyth also took time to talk to KWVA, and spoke about versatility up front is preached under Coach Cristobal who was an offensive lineman in his own playing days. By teaching both left-handed and right-handed techniques it allows Forsyth and others in the offensive line room to be able to switch positions whenever necessary. As far as the rotation on the offensive line which featured six regular players last year, Oregon's head coach didn't want to put a cap on the amount of players that will be in the mix this year. "As many players that are capable of playing," he said. With Oregon's mix of experienced lineman returning from last year along with young and physically talented recruits it remains to be seen who ends up in the trenches this season.

With almost exactly a month until Oregon's first game hosting Fresno State at home the pieces are beginning to fall into place for this years team. With major camp battles taking place at a number of important positions including quarterback, offensive line, defensive line, and in the secondary it will be a critical decision making period for the team. Oregon looks to return to the PAC-12 Championship game as well as a New Year's 6 bowl game, and with the season right around the corner the next few weeks should reveal who will be out on the field when the season kicks off.

Johnny Johnson III Full Interview

Verone McKinley Full Interview

Anthony Brown Full Interview

Alex Forsyth Full Interview