Dan Lanning Gives High Praise to Oregonian University of Idaho Players

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning held his week one press conference on Monday night, highlighting several key points surrounding the Ducks' matchup with Idaho.

Notably, Lanning pointed out the influx of Oregonian players on the Vandals' roster, which could make for some interesting storylines come Saturday.

"They've got some guys on their team from Oregon, and I think it'll mean a lot to them to get the opportunity to play here at Autzen," Lanning said. "But ultimately (they have) a lot of movements and shifts. I think those are always a challenge when you're playing teams like that."

Included in these Oregonian players is possible starting quarterback Jack Layne, who graduated from Lake Oswego High School in 2022 and put together a spectacular performance against Idaho State in his only start a season ago.

"He's a really good passer," Lanning said. "Obviously he did a great job in the Idaho State game last year, did well in the spring game. You can tell he understands where to go with the ball and he trusts his guys to go get it. He throws it well and I think people probably underestimate his athleticism as well. He's a guy that can run and he was a good player in the state of Oregon, so obviously that's showing up there for them."

Outside of Layne, the Vandals currently roster eight other players from Oregon, including Layne's brother, linebacker Dylan Layne, fellow quarterback Jack Wagner, wide receiver Mark Hamper, defensive lineman Divine Ibe, defensive lineman Wiley Donnerberg, linebacker Calvin Macy, offensive lineman Gabe Staszak, and tight end Gus Donnerberg.

On Saturday, these nine players will return home in hopes of making things difficult on a team they grew up watching. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PST.