A reserved young man of few words, David Paulson speaks volumes with his soft hands and solid play.
Just the way he likes it.
Quietly and effectively, the University of Oregon’s standout senior tight end beats opponents off the block, finding seams in the secondary to make the most difficult catches.
“I say catching is all about the eyes,” said Paulson, a fifth-year Duck and an Auburn Riverside High School product. “If you keep your eyes on it, you shouldn’t drop it.”
Paulson seldom does.
A key gear in the Rose Bowl-bound Ducks’ warp-drive offense, Paulson has blossomed into one of the nation’s best all-around tight ends who has attracted considerable attention from NFL scouts. Paulson, who continues a strong tradition of top tight ends at the school, is a swift and reliable target at 6 foot 4, 240 pounds.
“It’s been a goal of mine forever,” Paulson said of playing on Sundays. “Growing up I’ve been a real big fan of football and always wanted a chance to play in the NFL.”
But Paulson refuses to look too far ahead, especially when there is some unfinished business. The Pac-12 champion and sixth-ranked Ducks (11-2) are poised to reap the roses Monday with a win against equally potent Wisconsin (11-2) in Pasadena, Calif. (2 p.m., ESPN).
The Ducks have dropped their last two BCS bowl outings – including a heartbreaking 22-19 loss to Auburn for the national title last season – and haven’t won a Rose Bowl since 1917. Oregon fell to Ohio State, 26-17, two years ago in Pasadena, a mistake-prone game for the Ducks in which Paulson went without a catch.
“I wouldn’t say we’re desperate. I think we really want to win,” Paulson said of the Ducks’ pursuit of their first BCS bowl victory in 10 years. “We’re not afraid to fail. We really want to win this. As seniors we really want to finish it off the right way.
“It’s huge,” Paulson continued. “Growing up, I always dreamed about playing in this game. I played in one, and now I get another opportunity. I’m happy, I’m very fortunate. Now, I want to win one.”
Paulson has enjoyed the ride in Eugene – from classroom to film room, campus to field.
Despite a slow start, Paulson emerged as one of the Ducks’ most sure-handed receivers. A second-team All-Pac-12 selection, Paulson is third on the team in catches (30) for 428 yards and six touchdowns. It was his best season statistically.
“I wasn’t frustrated. We were winning games. The offense was still doing well,” Paulson said of the Ducks, who preferred to grind up teams early and often behind its speedy lineup of stars LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner, Josh Huff and freshman phenomenon De’Anthony Thomas.
“You can’t get mad when the ball is in LaMichael’s hands or goes to De’Anthony, the guy makes a lot of great plays,” Paulson said. “You can’t be a ‘me guy.’ It’s a team sport. We’re winning, and that’s the most important thing.”
For his exemplary play, teammates nominated and voted Paulson as the Ducks’ Most Outstanding Player this season, an honor he shared with Thomas.
A two-year full-time starter, Paulson has made 66 catches for 1,031 and 10 touchdowns in his career at Oregon.
“He’s the beast with the golden hands,” Oregon linebacker Boseko Lokombo said of Paulson.
“He’s been one of the most consistent guys all year,” quarterback Darron Thomas said. “Just coming out each week, he’s banged up sometimes, (but) you wouldn’t even know it.”
Paulson capped the regular season with a career-best eight catches for 105 yards and a touchdown in the Ducks’ 49-21 Civil War conquest of Oregon State.
Paulson and the Ducks have gone 43-9, winning three consecutive conference titles, in the last four seasons. Not bad for the former high school quarterback who grew into his position while playing behind the likes of Ed Dickson, now with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens.
“Since I’ve been here, the program has been improving and improving. Coach (Chip) Kelly took over and took it to another level,” Paulson said. “He really told us to focus on today, really work … and worry about what we can control. We really bought into the ‘win the day’ motto. He’s done a real good job on getting us focused, on preparation.”
Paulson, who was recruited by several schools, chose Oregon for many reasons. Academics was one of them. He takes books seriously. Paulson is a three-time, first-team all-academic selection. Having already earned an undergraduate degree in business — with a 3.67 grade-point average — he is on schedule to complete his master’s in business administration come June. He would like to pursue a career in sports marketing.
“How awesome is that?” Tom Osborne, Paulson’s position coach, told the Eugene Register-Guard. “David is going to be successful no matter what he does in life because he’s so intelligent and he’s got great people skills. He’s all those things you want.”
The Oregon years have been rewarding for Paulson the student, player and regular guy. He credits the support of his parents, Scott and Kristi, and two older brothers, for his success.
“It has helped me grow in a lot of ways,” Paulson said of being a Duck. “I feel like I’m the same guy, but more outgoing. I learned a lot here. It’s been a great experience here. It has helped me in all aspects of my life.”
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JUST ASK DAVID
Auburn School District elementary students wanted to know more about Oregon tight end David Paulson.
• Best athlete you ever played with? Jonathan Stewart, a Lacey native and Ducks running back (2005-07) who plays for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. “He was a physical specimen. He was a really strong, fast guy,” Paulson said.
• Favorite Oregon uniform combination? “What we wore against LSU in our season opener (Sept. 3).” The Ducks used a subdued and darker look – with neon yellow numbers and trim – known as “Cowboy Classic,” instead of the bright green color schemes used in the past. From Nike, these uniforms featured a dark forest green tint for the jersey and pants, utilizing a color that is uncommon in many college football uniforms.
• Best catch you ever made? “Probably against USC (Nov. 19).” Paulson made a one-handed catch near the goal line with two defenders draped on his back.
• Do you have any superstitions? “(I used to) eat a similar pre-game meal, but I’m not too superstitious anymore.”
• Are you still growing? “I probably will gain some weight (for the NFL) but … I’ve stopped.”
