UO fb, Aug. 11

The Oregon football team had some extra pep in its step Wednesday, the team’s first practice of preseason camp in “shells” – with shoulder pads on in addition to helmets. The defense seemed particularly energized by the ability to finally do some hitting, albeit without tackling to the ground. But both sides raised their level as compared to Tuesday, as an effusive Mark Helfrich noted in his post-practice remarks to the team. “If we continue to make strides like we did from yesterday to today, how good can we be?” Helfrich asked his players, before answering: “Scary.”