“I don’t have the choice but to feel comfortable” taking over, Barner said. “I’ve got to pick it up. But yeah, I’m good, I’ll handle it.” “Everybody has to step up,” UO junior Kenjon Barner said. “He was a huge part of this team, a huge part of the run game, and we have to pick up the slack." Barner has started in place of James before, when the latter sat out Oregon’s 2010 opener because of a suspension. Barner ran 17 times for 147 yards and caught a 60-yard pass against New Mexico that day, accounting for five touchdowns. http://www.registerguard.com/web/sports/26994818-41/yards-james-barner-game-running.html.csp The two have played together extensively over the last two seasons, with Barner often taking on slot-receiver responsibilities while James remained the primary back. Thomas has displayed similar versatility so far this season, not only rushing for nearly eight yards per carry but catching a team-high 17 passes for 286 yards and four touchdowns through five games
