OREGON DUCKS
2012 College Football Early Preview
OFFENSE - 6
------RETURNING STARTERS------
DEFENSE - 8
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Lavasier Tuinei-WR, David Paulson-TE, Darrlon Weems-OT, Mark Asper-OG. LaMichael James-RB (NFL), Darron Thomas-QB (NFL)
DEFENSE: Terrell Turner-DE, Brandon Hanna-DE, Josh Kaddu-SLB, Dewitt Stuckey-MLB, Anthony Gildon-CB, Eddie Pleasant-ROV, Cliff Harris-CB (NFL)
RB Kenjon Barner
Offensive Skill Units / Defensive Line

No worries at running back for the Ducks even when LaMichael James declared for the NFL as expected. Senior Kenjon Barner stepped in for an injured James this past season and did not miss a beat. Senior QB Bryan Bennett has looked fantastic when on the field while receiver De'Anthony Thomas was the Pac 12 Offensive Co-Freshman of The Year. Senior DE Dion Jordan is back to lead the nation's third ranked sack unit.

Secondary / Tight End

Gone is All-Conference tight end David Paulson. The secondary returns three starters after having to utilize two freshman cornerbacks in 2011 that struggled at times. To get back to a BCS title game, the secondary needs to keep improving.

DE Dion Jordan
* DEPTH CHARTS were only designed as a simplistic gauge for listing players that departed and players that received the most playing experience (consistent starters). NationalChamps.net recognizes the importance of missing personnel data not listed such as redshirts, transfers, injuries, incoming recruits, back ups and alternates. Their coverage will begin with our full 2012 Preseason Preview due out this coming spring.
OREGON 2012 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
OFFENSE
QB Bryan Bennett-So ..
RB Kenjon Barner-Sr ..
WR Josh Huff-Jr Rahsaan Vaughn-Sr
WR De'Anthony Thomas-So (KR) ..
WR Justin Hoffman-Sr Daryle Hawkins-Jr
TE Colt Lyerla-So ..
OT .. ..
OG Carson York-Sr ..
C Hroniss Grasu-So ..
OG .. ..
OT Nick Cody-Sr ..
K Alejandro Maldonado-Jr Rob Beard-Sr
 
OREGON 2012 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
DEFENSE
DE Tony Washington-So ..
DT Taylor Hart-Jr Ricky Heimuli-Jr
DT Wade Keliikipi-Jr Isaac Remington-Sr
DE Dion Jordan-Sr ..
SLB Boseko Lokombo-Jr Keloni Lamalani-Jr
MLB Kiko Alonso-Sr ..
WLB Michael Clay-Sr Derrick Malone-So
CB Terrance Mitchell-So ..
CB Troy Hill-So Ifo Ekpre-Olomu-So
ROV Avery Patterson-Jr Brian Jackson-Jr
FS John Boyett-Sr ..
P Jackson Rice-Sr ..
QUICK TAKES

    12/21/11

  • QB Darron Thomas is 22-3 as Oregon's starting quarterback in the past two seasons. While his arm sometimes gets scrutinized Thomas has set the school record with 63 touchdown passes. This is a savvy veteran that knows how to run this jet paced no-huddle offensive scheme.
  • Oregon true freshman De'Anthony Thomas has been one of Oregon's top playmakers all season. He was named conference Co-Offensive Player of The Year and leads all freshmen in FBS with 16 touchdowns.
  • Losing tight end David Paulson may not seem bad from a statistical standpoint but the senior's value to the Ducks was proven when he was named co-most valuable player this season by the team.
  • Oregon has 43 wins in the past four seasons, so a win in the Rose Bowl would give the Ducks an amazing average of 11 wins per season during this stretch. They have replaced USC as the top Pac 12 dog (or duck) by winning three straight conference titles.
  • The defensive turnaround won't be so drastic as it was entering 2011 where seven starters needed replaced. With much more experience, Oregon coaches can now start to focus on doing more than just outscoring opponents for victories.
  • The secondary was devastated with injuries and off-the-field distractions. This group has the talent to be a better unit in 2012. If this happens, the Ducks will be an odds-on-favorite to play in the BCS National Championship Game.

 

OREGON 2012 SCHEDULE

09/01 - Arkansas State
09/08 - Fresno State
09/15 - Tennessee Tech
TBA - Arizona
TBA - Colorado
TBA - Stanford
TBA - Washington
TBA - at Arizona State
TBA - at California
TBA - at Southern California
TBA - at Washington State
TBA - at Oregon State