Oregon Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson shared an unusual detail about how quarterback Dante Moore connects with his teammates: by passing gas in the huddle. Johnson, a rising sophomore, made the revelation during Big Ten Media Days earlier this week.
When asked by KOIN News' Brenna Greene about Moore's methods for keeping the mood light, Johnson described the quarterback's unique approach.
"Alright guys big fourth down coming up here, we're going hard count so don't false start and also remember, he who smelt it dealt it. Okay, BREAK!" Johnson stated, impersonating Moore.
Moore, a Heisman hopeful, expressed embarrassment when informed of Johnson's comments. "You gotta find ways to connect with the team, so we do that," he said. Moore added that "too much stuff is getting leaked out," a statement with a notable double meaning given the context.
Despite the unconventional bonding technique, the Oregon Ducks have had offensive success. The team finished tied for tenth in the nation with an average of 37 points per game in the past season, and Moore is considered a top contender for the Heisman Trophy. The team's historical use of a no-huddle offense, dating back to the Chip Kelly era, could be a factor in their ability to maintain tempo, even with huddle activities like those described by Johnson.