There as been a lot of talk about sophomore offensive tackle Josh Conerly this off-season. Rightfully so, too.
As the highest-rated offensive lineman to ever sign with the Oregon Ducks a year ago, fans have been anxious to see what the former 5-star OT who was rated No. 1 in his class can do on the field. While we got to see his abilities sparingly during the 2022 season, everyone understood that it likely wasn’t going to be until 2023 that Conerly had an opportunity to have a major impact. With five starting positions on the offensive line up for grabs, Conerly is in a position where he can really show what he’s capable of this off-season, and it sounds like he’s taking full advantage of the opportunity.
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When we’ve met with coaches and players this spring for post-practice interviews, I always try and ask about Conerly. Dan Lanning has remarked at how hard the sophomore has worked to become a better leader. Marcus Harper said he’s done an incredible job to change his body, bulking up and putting on the right kind of weight.
It wasn’t until Thursday that we got the most glowing review of Conerly, though. When asked about the high-ceiling No. 76 could possess, offensive line coach A’lique Terry didn’t hold back.
“Josh Conerly has a unique skill set,” Terry said. “I mean that respectfully, his feet — he almost has feet like a safety, or an outside linebacker. He’s got power at the line, so he’s got the tools that’s necessary to be another special force.”
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Of course, you expect your position coach to speak highly of you to the media. However, hearing the high praise from Terry was important to me. As someone who has coached at an NFL level and seen the talent at the highest levels of the profession, you have to take his opinion seriously.
On top of his work with the Minnesota Vikings, Terry has also spent time in Eugene previously, working as a graduate assistant under Mario Cristobal. He’s seen the likes of Penei Sewell, and TJ Bass, and some of the best OL to pass through the Oregon program.
In all of his time coaching, Terry certainly has learned what it looks like to work hard, and have the drive to perfect your craft. In Conerly, he sees some of that drive.
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“We’ve seen some special tackles here in our short time here and in the past,” Terry said. “The best part about Josh Conerly is he’s a freak athlete, but he is the hardest worker in our room. And what does that do for everybody else? If one of your best players in your room is your hardest worker, it becomes contagious.”
There is a lot of talent in Oregon’s OL room this spring, and as every player chases that dangling carrot of a starting spot, there will be someone next to them trying to work harder.
Conerly has as much talent as anyone. By the sounds of it, he also has as much work ethic, if not more, than anyone in that room as well.
With the right coaching, and in the right situation, than can be an incredibly impressive combination.
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