Duck Football: Oregon developing depth at tight end

Day five of spring drills for Oregon in the Moshofsky Center saw the Ducks end practice with an overtime drill, the defense forcing the offense into two field goal attempts.

One thing the Ducks continue to work on in the spring is developing depth. One area of concern last season was at the tight end position where depth was certainly lacking behind starter David Paulson.

"He had to go all the time," said Oregon tight ends coach Tom Osborne. "We wore him down by the end of the year. He had that hip pointer in the Portland State game and he played the next three games. He was really hurt. So, now that we have more guys and more body types, I think that's going to help our football team."

Backing up Paulson is senior Brandon Williams. But behind Williams is three freshman, including Colt Lyerla of Hillsboro and Curtis White of Sheldon.

"We can split some reps here and there, just give the defense different looks and give everybody breaks so everyone will be fresh when they're in there and they can go full speed," said Paulson.

As for Lyerla, he could be at Hillsboro High School right now preparing for his prom, but instead he's practicing with the Ducks. Paulson said he's kind of "swimming in it" right now, trying to learn the system and the position, but it should help him come the fall.