The Oregon Ducks certainly have momentum going into 2009 season after a strong finish to the 2008 campaign. Here is a brief look ahead at where the Oregon offense looks to be headed entering the 2009 season.
Quarterback:
It took nearly half of the season last year, but the Ducks finally found what they were looking for in sophomore QB Jeremiah Masoli. Masoli struggled in the early part of the year, but took control of the offense in a fourth quarter comeback against Stanford and never looked back. After that memorable 4th quarter drive against the Cardinal, Masoli lead his team to three very impressive offensive performances, and the Ducks finished the season in the top 10. It would appear Masoli will be entrenched as the starter entering the spring. He does however have worthy competition in juniors Nate Costa, Justin Roper, and possibly sophomore Darron Thomas, although the Ducks would like to redshirt him after burning his redshirt last year in the loss to Boise State.
Conclusion: Oregon appears to be in good hands with Masoli under center. If he can continue to build on what he did in his last four games then Masoli, then the sky is the limit in terms of what this team can accomplish going into 2009. Remember that it took Dennis Dixon 5 years to show the potential that Masoli did in a half season under the helm. Masoli must gain more confidence in his arm, because running 127 times again may be to much to ask.
Grade: A-
Running Back:
Senior LaGarrette Blount has been suspended indefinitely by the team, and if he can get things in order it would appear that he will be the Ducks workhorse entering the 2009 season. Blount does provide the thunder, but lightning counterpart Jeremiah Johnson has departed, and Oregon needs to find another back that can help ease the pain of his graduation. Senior Andre Crenshaw, and Junior Remene Alston do return, and have game experience in the Pac 10. It is yet to be seen as to whether one of them can fill Johnsons void, but Texan Freshman LaMichael James wowed the scout team last year and could be the ideal compliment to Blount with his blazing speed and stop on a dime jukes.
Conclusion: Blount set a school record with 17 touchdowns last year, and rushed for over 1,000 yards. Oregon has had its best teams however when there is a two headed monster in the backfield, look for James or possibly Crenshaw to fill the void left by Johnson and spell Blount for a few series each game.
Grade: B
Wide Receivers:
With Jaison Williams and Terrance Scott both graduating, the Ducks are looking to gain more consistency at the receiver position this spring. By no means is the cupboard bare, but much of the talent is unproven and young. Junior Jeffrey Maehl returns as the most experienced player, with 39 receptions and a team leading 5 touchdowns. Others expected to contend for starting spots are Juniors Drew Davis and USC transfer Jamere Holland. Davis and Holland have the physical tools to make a big time impact, but Davis suffered a torn ACL last year, while Holland has been slow to pick up the playbook. Quarterback turned receiver Chris Harper could be the wild card of the group, as he has the athleticism and size to give defensive coordinators nightmares whenever he lines up in the slot.
Conclusion: Similar to the last the start of last season the Ducks receiving corp once again has many questions to answer. If either Davis or Holland can emerge as a big play threat them the offense has the potential to be more explosive than last season. That however has yet to be seen by either of them.
Grade: C
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