Dan Lanning talks Bye Week, Transfer Portal, and Preparation

Oregon has an extra week off thanks to winning the Big Ten Championship nearly two weeks ago, but it’s still been pedal to the medal for the Ducks. Lanning and the staff have been using this time to get healthy at key positions and preparing for battle next week. Here’s what Dan Lanning had to say at this afternoon’s media availability session.

On if DC Tosh Lupoi is getting the credit he deserves:

“Tosh and our entire defensive staff have done a phenomenal job. I also think our players probably deserve more credit than they’ve gotten too. We’ve got some really good players, but we don’t really worry about what everyone else thinks.”

On his policy about players hitting the portal and being able to play:

“Most of them want to go find the next opportunity, and it’s hard to do both.”

On managing recruiting, the portal, and prep for the bowl game:

“I think they’re doing a good job, we’ve got a clear focus of what we’re trying to accomplish. As I’ve said before, everyone has an assignment, everybody has a job and they do their job.”

On Early Enrollees in practice:

“There’s been a few guys show up, there’s going to be more joining us. It certainly helps us, it gives them a leg up and opportunity to steal some extra practices before spring ball.”

On the specifics of preparation for next week:

“We’re kind of preparing for both (teams). The first week we focused on us, and did a really deep dive into us and who we are. Then this week we’re doing a little bit of both (preparation) for Tennessee and Ohio State.”

On the portal and being patient waiting for better players:

“I think it’s always about understanding the needs of your team, what are your strengths, what do you think you’re going to need moving forward. Then a lot of it is numbers as well, you might not know you’re going to be interested in a player, but then you lose a player. That’s a roster spot that you want to make sure you have filled on your team.”

On evaluating Will Stein as Offensive Coordinator:

“Adaptability, I think Will has done an outstanding job, and I think Will would be the first to tell you that he does that with his offensive staff. We’ve got a great offensive staff around him that he pulls a lot of ideas from. “

On Dillon Gabriel taking a trip to New York for the Heisman Ceremony:

“I’m really excited that Dillon got to be a part of that opportunity. My biggest observations are that I hate traffic. What an awesome event, Dillon’s super deserving of that, and I’m glad he got to be a part of it.”

On the advantages of the Bye Week:

“Recovery has been a big piece, we’ve been able to distribute our practices a little differently than we would during a normal game week. More of a three day on and off model, more recoveries and lifts, and really studying ourselves.”