Tight end David Paulson has been a clutch-down receiver for the Ducks
Courtesy photo/Eric Evans, U of O
Tight end David Paulson has been a clutch-down receiver for the Ducks' spread attack.

Ducks' clutch-catching Paulson earns weekly honor


October 27, 2009 · 11:39 AM

  • 0
  • Print Story
  • Letter/Editor

University of Oregon tight end David Paulson, an Auburn Riverside High product, was named the Ducks Offensive Player of the Week for his role in a 43-19 victory over rival Washington last Saturday.

After studying the film, the Oregon coaching staff determined Paulson as one of the Ducks' top performers. Paulson received a game ball.

Paulson, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound sophomore, caught two passes for 59 yards as the Ducks (4-0 in Pacific 10 Conference, 6-1 overall), ranked No. 10 in the latest BCS standings, exploded in the third quarter to dominate UW at Husky Stadium.

One of Paulson's catches was a spectacular one and helped Oregon dig itself out of a third-and-25 hole in the first half. Streaking down the middle of the field, Paulson hauled in a well-thrown Jeremiah Masoli pass over his shoulder – and over UW linebacker Donald Butler – for a season-high 32-yard completion. The completion eventually led to Masoli's 1-yard touchdown run.

Paulson, who has made five starts this season for the Pac-10-leading Ducks, has caught nine passes for 142 yards, fourth best on the team. Eight of his nine receptions have gone for first downs and each has led to Oregon scores.

Oregon will face No. 4 USC (3-1, 6-1) in a conference showdown at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Saturday (5 p.m., ABC-KOMO 4).

ESPN’s “College GameDay” will broadcast from Eugene on Saturday.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

blog comments powered by Disqus