(Editor's note: Oregon running back Reuben Droughns will share a weekly diary with ESPN.com throughout the season. For more information on the Ducks, visit the official Oregon site.)

Dec. 14, 1999

It's another week of waiting before the bowl game, and with finals, we've shifted our focus some. It stinks in a way, not being able to play, especially since I'm so anxious and ready to go. I also have to look at it another way -- I get a chance to rest. At the same time, there are some other things to get out of the way with the end of classes. It's give and take, both good and bad, although I would love to play a game every week.

	Droughns averaged 7.4 yards per carry and scored nine TDs in 1998.

The biggest focus this week has been on final exams, which I think went pretty well -- at least I hope so. I'm taking three classes -- history of jazz, a Civil War class and another on pre-colonial Africa. I took a lighter load this fall, but I'm still on schedule to graduate by the end of summer.

The jazz class was really interesting, and having a cool teacher made it even better. It was a challenge because I didn't have much of a jazz background coming in. We hit most of the biggies -- Miles Davis, John Coltrane and others -- and also some of the earlier legends like Bessie Smith. We even went further back, into the classical quartets and big bands, like Dizzy Gillespie's. It was nice to have a class that expands your horizons in other directions. I also found it interesting to learn a little more history about some very interesting people.

That emphasis on writing, especially creative writing, is something I've really enjoyed in college and I might consider pursuing it later. And if I ultimately want to pursue it academically, I need to find a school where they have that program as a master's. Regardless, that skill is something I want to develop more.

Maybe I'll even write a book -- that's always been something I've wanted to achieve. Of all my influences, Langston Hughes is my favorite poet. He's great in how he relates to times of slavery in a modern way. He's such a teacher, and it's amazing how you can learn so much in a few words. The poem "I Too" is one that really stands out.

In my time here I've matured in many ways away from field. It hasn't always been easy trying to juggle both football and academics, but I'm glad to have been here and learned about so many different things and different philosophies. It's a noticeable contrast between how you have to work with the coaches versus teachers, and it can be difficult dealing with the difference. Often you'll have coaches taking a harder stance to do something or there's some kind of punishment, while teachers have to be more quiet and personal. They come across sometimes as more concerned in developing "you" into perhaps a nicer person or fulfilling your potential in other ways.

Looking back, I've had many great professors since I've been here. Certainly Ms. Montoya, my Writing 121-122 teacher, has been an inspiration. She helped me expand my writing skills from the start, as has Professor Long in my creative writing class.

Having that chance to write is a great outlet. When I sit down with the paper, it gives me a chance to release some things -- some pressure or frustrations I didn't get out on the field. I think the intensity of writing is a big challenge. When you read someone else's work, and then criticize it, it isn't as stimulating to me as writing it yourself and having to explain yourself.

Of the things I've written, I really take pride in a poem I wrote to my mom. Basically, it was focused on how she was the reason for my well being and the reason for my success. She gives me strength everyday, and it was nice to be able to relate those feelings back to her in a different way. Some do it verbally and some may find it easier on paper. When I'm able to write, it can flow, just like if I'm rapping or running the football. Kind of like poetry in motion.