The Oregon Ducks football program in Eugene has integrated the Monarc Sports machine into its daily regimen to maximize player repetitions. The team uses the high-speed device to set a rigorous standard of 100 catches per day for its skill players.
The 100-catch daily standard and the "13th man"
At the University of Oregon, the Monarc Sports machine has evolved from a piece of equipment into a cultural symbol known as the "13th man." This nickname pays homage to the 12th Man tradition at Autzen Stadium, signaling that the machine is as vital to the team's success as the crowd. According to the report, the drive for high-volume repetition was championed by running back Jordon Davison, who noted that Noah Whittington helped establish the expectation that every offensive skill player should record 100 catches daily.
This relentless volume is designed to build confidence and sharpen hand-eye coordination. By facing a consistent stream of passes, Oregon Ducks players can react to velocity and track the ball with a frequency that would be impossible to replicate using only human quarterbacks during a standard practice session.
75 mph velocities that outpace the NFL Combine
The technical capabilities of the Monarc Sports machine allow the Oregon Ducks to simulate pressures that exceed professional standards. The device can launch six footballs in approximately 12 seconds, reaching speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.. as the report says, this velocity is significantly higher than the arm-speed readings typically seen at the NFL Combine, where even the strongest throwers often land in the high 50s.
Oregon wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator Ross Douglas emphasizes that the primary value is the density of quality repetitions. By removing the downtime associated with traditional drills, the Oregon Ducks can ensure their athletes spend more time on task, working through specific catching mechanics that might be neglected in a standard practice schedule.
From Evan Stewart to Matayo Uiagalelei: Ball skills for every position
While most programs limit high-volume catching drills to wide receivers,the Oregon Ducks have expanded the Monarc Sports machine's utility across the entire roster. Cornerbacks coach Rashad Wadood has mandated that all defensive backs use the machine, treating ball skills as a non-negotiable requirement for anyone tasked with interceptions. This approach ensures that the defensive secondary is as proficient at tracking the ball as the offense.
The program's commitment to versatility is highlighted by the participation of non-traditional receivers. Edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 265 pounds, has been seen utilizing the machine to improve his ball tracking.. For a pass rusher, this training is critical for finishing plays, forcing hurried throws, or securing a rare interception, proving that the Oregon Ducks view ball security as a universal skill.
The 11.6 percent yardage claim versus Oregon's rising completion rates
There is a tension between the marketing data provided by the manufacturer and the organic growth of the Oregon Ducks' offense. A PFF-powered study published by Monarc claims that users see an 11.6 percent increase in receiving yards, a 14.2 percent increase in touchdowns, and a 16.4 percent increase in explosive receptions of 15 or more yards. However, these figures are correlative rather than causative, as they do not account for coaching, scheme, or raw talent.
The Oregon Ducks' passing efficiency was already on an upward trajectory before the Monarc Sports machine became a fixture. The team's completion rate rose from 63.2 percent in 2021 to 71.3 percent during head coach Dan Lanning's first season. This suggests that while the machine is a powerful tool, it functions as a supplement to a broader system of excellence rather than a standalone solution for offensive production.
Why Michigan and Ohio State are among the 35 programs using Monarc
The adoption of this technology is spreading across the collegiate landscape, with 35 programs currently using the machines, according to the Monarc website. This list includes Big Ten rivals such as Michigan, Ohio State, and Indiana, indicating that the pursuit of high-speed, customizable repetitions is becoming a standard arms race in elite college football.
Despite the widespreead use, it remains unclear exactly how these other programs integrate the machine into their culture compared to the "13th man" philosophy in Eugene. While the Oregon Ducks have made the machine a public part of their identity, other schools may use it more discreetly, leaving a gap in our understanding of whether the psychological "gamification" of the 100-catch goal is what truly separates Oregon's approach from its peers.
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