A nice read on Oregon's depth. I copied a few highlights. Going over the roster, what strikes me is how young this team STILL is. Oregon is in for some great years. Rivals closes by saying if Oregon can beat LSU and hold strong in November, we could see another NC trip. Go Ducks! Two and a half weeks, amigos! http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1252023 The Ducks have averaged more than 36 points in all four of those seasons. This season, they figure to make it five in a row. The Ducks have a proven quarterback and group of running backs that would make an impressive 4x100 relay. Heisman finalist LaMichael James has rushed for more than 1,500 yards in consecutive seasons and had 1,731 last season. But James, a junior, is by no means the only star in the backfield. Kenjon Barner rushed for 551 yards in a backup role last season, and heralded 2010 recruit Lache Seastrunk figures to make a contribution after sitting out a redshirt season. The Ducks also have freshman De'Anthony Thomas, a five-star prospect and a high school sprint champion from Los Angeles. Lavasier Tuinei is a big target who figures to add to his 36-catch total of 2010. Overall, the Ducks will be more athletic with sophomore Josh Huff getting more action. Junior college transfer Rahsaan Vaughn and Devon Blackmon could make an impact. Expect a true freshman or two to get playing time, too. TE David Paulson doesn't get much attention, but is productive. T Mark Asper and G Carson York are experienced, full-time starters, while senior T Darrion Weems made seven starts a year ago. They form the nucleus of what should be a typically effective unit under line coach Steve Greatwood. While both starting tackles have to be replaced, there is no shortage of candidates. Hulking sophomore T Ricky Heimuli is a solid prospect who could emerge as a force inside. Sophomore Wade Keliikipi is another possible starter, as is sophomore Taylor Hart. Former junior college transfer Isaac Remington, who sat out as a redshirt last season, will press for time. Jared Ebert, who went through spring practice, was considered one of the top JC defensive linemen in the nation last year and should be in the mix, as well. Josh Kaddu is the lone returning LB starter. Junior MLB Kiko Alonso was suspended indefinitely after a second alcohol-related arrest in the spring. Senior Dewitt Stuckey could wind up the starter there, though touted true freshman Anthony Wallace will get a close look. Michael Clay is back after posting 42 tackles as a reserve last season, and sophomore Boseko Lokombo will bid for playing time as a possible starter or top backup. The defense's strength undoubtedly is the secondary, with playmakers roaming throughout the defensive backfield. All-America CB Cliff Harris can turn the defense into offense in a split second. Last season, he had six interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. But he has been suspended for at least one game because of numerous traffic citations and unpaid fines. Junior FS John Boyett earned all-conference mention in 2010 after posting 78 tackles, five interceptions and nine pass breakups. Senior SS Eddie Pleasant moved from linebacker before last season and had a solid season; he is a jarring tackler. Senior CB Anthony Gildon also has starting experience, though he was primarily a backup last season. Redshirt freshman Terrance Mitchell, Troy Hill and Dior Mathis will press for time. Mitchell has excellent size (6-0/189). Elements of Oregon's kicking game range from spectacular to steady. Harris is a nightmare for opponents on punt returns. He averaged more than 18 yards per return and had four touchdowns last season. Huff averaged more than 24 yards on kickoff returns. K Rob Beard is coming off a solid season in which he converted 10-of-13 field-goal attempts, but none were longer than 42 yards. P Jackson Rice averaged 42.3 yards and dropped almost half of his attempts (18 of 40) inside the 20. Kickoff coverage was excellent, while the punt coverage was adequate last season. OUTLOOK The phrase "SEC speed" is used often in college football, but the Ducks can run with anybody in the country. Indeed, they may race right back into the BCS championship game. The new starters along the offensive line and on defense raise some questions, but with James, Barner, Darron Thomas and an opportunistic secondary, Oregon has the ability to score in the blink of an eye. A season-opening showdown with LSU - definitely a team with "SEC speed" - will reveal just how strong the Ducks are or how much work they have to do. The November schedule is challenging, but if the Ducks get through it, they could make a return trip to the BCS championship game.
I'm not worried because I think the rankings will shake themselves out, especially if we beat LSU. I think we've got at least one more good shot at the natty in the next couple years (if not this year).
All signs point to yes. He's on pace to graduate following this season which he has repeatedly stated is a major personal goal. To be in this position he reportedly took a heavy load of classes this summer term. Barring injury, he'll become Oregon's all time leading rusher early this season STOMP
No one knows for sure, but if I had to guess I'd say he'll go pro. Who knows though... He might have such a great time this year tearing up offenses with his best friend Barner, that he'll be back to make it four Pac10/12 Championships in a row.
I said it last year and I still feel the same way. I hope that LMJ goes pro because I think we need to open up some room for Seastrunk and DAT.
Maybe so, but I don't want to lose out on great prospects that will be here beyond this season or next season. Seastrunk is a RS freshman and DAT is a true freshman. They could conceivably give us three or four seasons, while James will probably only give us this season.
