Pac-10 All Decade (2000-present) Team

1^ST Team

QB- Matt Leinart, USC- The 2004 Heisman, two national tittles, and a Vince Young touchdown run way from a third, speak for itself.

RB- Reggie Bush, USC- Bush was the most dynamic college football player of my lifetime, and possibly ever. Winning the 2005 Heisman capped of his amazing career as a Trojan.

RB- Steven Jackson, Oregon State- The Jackhammer was a lethal threat rushing, receiving, as well as returning kicks. Players with his combination of 4.4 speed, 235 pound bruising frame, and soft hands come along about once a decade.

WR- Reggie Williams, Washington- Could beat you deep, over the middle, out routes, talking trash…you name it, Williams had everything in his arsenal.

WR- Mike Hass, Oregon State- Hass won the Biletnikoff award as a senior, putting up gaudy numbers and catching everything that came his way. The Beavers have put out great receivers of late, but Hass easily tops them all.

TE- Zach Miller, Arizona State- Miller was Andrew Walters go to target, forming one of the best QB to TE combos we have ever seen in this conference.

2^nd Team

QB- Joey Harrington, Oregon- Posted a 26-3 record as a starter, lead the Ducks to 3 top 15 finishes, capped off by a #2 ranking in the 2002 final polls.

RB- Maurice Drew, UCLA- Drew, or Jones-Drew, whichever you prefer, battled injuries throughout his time at UCLA, but his 322 yard performance at Husky Stadium was one of the best rushing performances I have ever seen.

RB- Marshawn Lynch, Cal- Names like Stewart, Arrington, Simonton, Foster, Harrison, and White could just as easily be in this spot. However, I just loved the versatility Lynch brought to the table for the Bears. He was also a decent golf cart driver.

WR- Dwayne Jarrett, USC- Yes, Jarrett has been a bust in the NFL, but his college career was surpassed by few. The 6’5” matchup nightmare helped Lienart, Bush, White, and co. light up defenses for three straight years.

WR- Mike Thomas, Arizona- Thomas holds the record for most receptions ever by a Pac-10 receiver with 258 grabs. Thomas was never a household name because of the underachieving teams he played for, but anytime this wily wide out touched the ball special things were sure to ensue.

TE- Rob Gronkowski, Arizona- Another year down in Tucson, and Gronkowski could be on my first team. I believe he is the most dangerous tight end the Pac-10 has ever seen, and a 1^st round pick in next years NFL draft.

Beavers Best (Modern Era)

Much like I did with the Ducks last week, here is my list of top 3 Beavers at each of the offensive skill positions (my era, from about 1997-present day). These rankings are not based off NFL careers; instead they reflect who I would want on my team if I was constructing it for next season.

Quarterback

1. Derek Anderson 2001-2004 – DA put up video game type numbers over the course of his Oregon State career, passing for over 4,000 yards as a junior. While DA never lead the Beavers to a top tier bowl game, and often threw untimely interceptions early in his career, his progression throughout this three years as a starter has cemented him at one on my list.
2. Jonathan Smith 1997- 2001 - Smith will be remembered for taking the reins against Washington as a freshman in 1998, passing for over 400 yards that night at Husky Stadium. Smith was small in stature, and lacked the monster arm and the quick feet that so many college quarterbacks have today. However, Smith led the Beavers to their best season ever, going 11-1 in 2000, beating Notre Dame in the 2001 Fiesta Bowl.
3. Matt Moore 2005-2006 – Moore took a beating from Beavers fans throughout his junior season, and rightfully so. After the 2005 disaster Moore lead the Beavers to their first 10 win season under Riley in 2006. Though Moore never put up gaudy numbers, he managed the game as a senior, landing the Beavers in the top 25 come seasons end.

Running Back

1. Steven Jackson 2001-2003 – This is a no brainer for me. Aside from Reggie Bush, Jackson was the most complete running back the Pac-10 has put out over the last decade. Jackson was a true threat to score anytime he touched the ball. His career was capped off with a 5 TD performance in his hometown of Las Vegas, as the Beavers rebounded from a disappointing 2003 campaign, beating New Mexico handily in the Las Vegas Bowl.
2. Ken Simonton 1998-2001 – Simonton ran for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons, putting him second all time in the Pac-10 rushing record books. Kenny will always be remembered by Beaver fans for his 1998 Civil War touchdown run, which brought fans flooding down onto the field (for the 2^nd time that game!). Simonton brought Beaver football back to respectability, and will never have to buy another drink whenever he visits Corvallis.
3. Jaquizz Rodgers 2008- present – I badly wanted to put Yve Bernard on this list, but what Quiz did last year was special. Rodgers became the first ever true freshman to claim Pac- 10 player of the year honors, after tearing up USC’s NFL defense on that memorable September night this past fall. This native Texan should break all of Simonton’s records, and go down as one of the Pac-10 greats.

Wide Receiver

1. Mike Hass 2001-2005 – It didn’t take long for me to figure out who deserved the #1 spot on this list! Hass owns nearly every Beaver receiving record, and won the Biletnikoff award as a senior, with 1,532 receiving yards that season. Hass was not the fastest or most flashy receiver, but I don’t recall ever seeing a ball he didn’t catch. Three straight 1,000 plus yard seasons is just something you don’t see in college football anymore.
2. James Newson 2001-2005 – I thought about putting Sammie at #2, but there was something about Newson’s game that I really enjoyed. Much like Sammie, James was the emotional leader of his teams and was one of the toughest competitors I have ever watched. I still remember him keeping his balance after getting tripped up in the 2004 Insight.com Bowl, and them sprinting to the pay dirt. Newson and Hass formed one of the best one two punches in the conferences history.
3. Sammie Stroughter 2004-2008 – If this was an all purpose list Sammie would be right up there with Steven Jackson fighting for the #1 spot. The sight of Sammie brining that punt back in the 2006 USC game will be a fixture at Beaver games for the next 50 years. Had Sammie not gotten inured in 2007, he could very easily be #1 on my list.

All Time Oregon Ducks

I love ranking players, and rankings in general. So is here is my list of the best Duck players of my lifetime, or since I really started following (1998-present). These rankings have nothing to do with NFL careers, instead they are just simply based on what I saw at during their time at Oregon (QB’s and RB’s today, more to come later).

Quarterback

1. Joey Harrington 1997-2001 – A 26-3 record as a starter speaks for itself. Harrington didn’t have the strongest arm, or quickest feet, but he managed games and was a perfect for Oregon’s offense at the time. Harrington lead the Ducks to 7^th and 2^nd end of season national ranking his last two seasons.
2. Akili Smith 1997-1998 – The Juco transfer from San Diego shared time with Jason Mass his junior season. Smith had a breakout 98’season, shattering nearly every passing record in the book while claiming the Pac 10 offensive player of the year award. His 1998 season was the best individual season I have even seen from a UO signal caller.
3. Kellen Clemens 2001-2005 – Clemens could easily head this list, had he not posted a losing record as a junior. The perfect combo of arm strength and speed for the newly implemented spread offense, Clemens was having one of the best seasons ever for a Duck QB until that unforgettable October night down in Tucson. Posting a 20-11 record as starter, the Burns native was always a fan favorite.
4. Dennis Dixon 2004-2007 – Dixon captivated college football fans throughout the nation during the 2007, leading the Heisman Trophy race, and putting the Ducks smack dab in the middle of the National Championship hunt before his torn ACL against Arizona State. Dixon had an amazing 2007 campaign, but the 2006 season must factor in…putting him 4^th on this list.

Running Back

1. Reuben Droughns 1998-1999 – Droughns made quite the splash in his first season, posting 200+ yards in thee of the first 5 games, before breaking his ankle at #1 UCLA in October of 1998. #1 could easily go to a number of former Ducks, but I believe he was the best running back the Ducks have had in my era.
2. Jonathan Stewart 2005-2007 – Stewart has the best individual rushing season ever for the Ducks, grinding out 1,722 yards on the ground in 2007. His combination of speed, size, and power made him nearly impossible for defenses to stop.
3. Onterrio Smith 2001-2002 – In my opinion Smith was the most talented running back to dawn the green and yellow. While the off field issues were certainly concerning, his on field production was never in question. Do yourself a favor and YouTube his 2001 game at #10 WSU where he rushed for a school record 285 yards on 22 carries. Had Barry Sanders like moves, making Duck fans hold their breath every time he touched the ball.
4. Maurice Morris 2000-2001 – Often overlooked, Morris put up back to back 1000 yard seasons in his only two seasons with the Ducks. His 2001 run against Colorado in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl will be seen on Duck vision for the next 50 years. Maurice was a constant workhorse, but never spectacular, putting him 4^th on this list.

Wide Receiver

1. Keenan Howry 1999-2002 – After much internal debate, I had to give the #1 nod to Howry. A four year contributor for the Ducks, Howry wasn’t the fastest or the biggest, but always came through with a big play when his team needed it most. Whether that was his 4 touchdown effort against ASU, nearly 400 all purpose yards (a UO record at the time, only to be surpassed by Onterrio the next week at WSU) in the 2001 loss to Stanford, or the 2001 Civil War punt return for a TD, Howry shined the brightest in biggest moments.
2. Sammie Parker 1999-2003 – Parker was often looked by Howry, but many don’t know he lead the team in receiving yards in the Fiesta Bowl season. Parker too lived for the big moments, gaining 179 yards in the Fiesta Bowl, and capping off his college career with 16 catches and 200+ yards against Minnesota in the 2003 Sun Bowl.
3. Demetrius Williams 2001-2005 – I feel D-Will was the most complete receiver the Ducks have had. He had the size to out jump defensive backs, the speed to run the deep fade, and the hands to go over the middle. Williams put up huge numbers in his sophomore and senior seasons, teaming with Kellen Clemens, forming one of the best duos the Ducks have ever seen.
4. Tony Hartley – Admittedly I don’t remember Hartley as well as the aforementioned players, but I do recall his 242 yard performance against the Huskies in 1997. I too remember him being suspended for the 1998 Aloha Bowl loss, possibly costing the Ducks a top 25 finish that year.

Tight End

1. Ed Dickson 2005-present – Dickson’s best is still ahead of him, but the last two seasons he has been the Ducks go to receiver in pressure situations. I know there are many other names I could put at the top of this list, but Dickson has the tools and the work ethic to easily secure the #1 spot come seasons end.
2. Justin Peele 1998-2001 – Peele played a huge role in the Ducks finishing in the top 10 in both 2000 and 2001. His 2000 game at Arizona State will go down as one of the best performances in Duck history. Always a solid and at times spectacular tight end.
3. Tim Day 2001-2005 – Day was a star in 2003 and 2004, becoming a household name for Duck fans after his 2003 game saving touchdown catch and run against Cal (remember the game when the lights went out in Autzen). His production dropped dramatically after Oregon switched to the spread in 2005, making me think he should have turned pro after the 2004 season.
4. George Wrighster 1999-2002 – George left early, along with Onterrio after the 2002 season. Had he stayed for his senior season, he would certainly be #1 on this list, as his 2002 season was the best I have ever seen from a Duck tight end (you remember all the brilliant 1 handed catches that season?!?!).

Former Duck Leading Rockets

Even with many Oregonians paying less attention to the NBA playoffs due to the Blazers first round exit, former Oregon point guard Aaron Brooks has once again excited the Northwest basketball community because of his dynamic postseason play for the Houston Rockets. Who would have thought the Rockets would take the #1 seeded Lakers to 7 games without the services of their two best player, T-Mac, and Yao Ming? Aaron Brooks, that's who. The diminutive point guard from Seattle has been on a tear in recent weeks, posting a career high 34 points in a game 4 Rockets victory, as well as 26 points on only 13 shots last night, forcing a game 7 back in Los Angeles Sunday.

I'm not ready to put Aaron Brooks in the elite point guard class yet, but he is quickly climbing the latter. Taken with the 26th pick in the 2007 NBA draft, the national media expected little from Brooks, saying that he was a second round talent, and that Houston reached taking Brooks that high. Houston obviously had other ideas, as they traded veteran point Rafer Alston midseason, entrusting the team to the second year Brooks. That move has paif off, as AB has proven he can lead a team to victories, even with a depleted roster. I think, along with everybody else, that the Lakers will advance Sunday night, but with AB, Yao, McGrady, Battier, Artest, Luis, and an extremely underrated bench the Rockets could make some serious noise next season. It has been a blast watching the 5'10" Brooks glide through defenses, cross defenders over, and connect on half court lobs. Brooks was overlooked his senior year at Oregon, and throught the draft process...but now it’s his time to shine in the national spotlight!

A Look Back, and a Glimpse Forward

The Blazers magical season came to an unfortunate end Thursday night in Houston. The Rockets finished off the best of seven series in six games, leaving myself and many other Blazer fans longing for October to get here ASAP! I, like others, was frustrated with how the season ended, but now I would like to take a quick look back at this magical season, and ponder the bright future these Blazers have in store for us.

Throughout the season I saw a true NBA superstar emerge in Brandon Roy. Roy was the heart and soul of this team; making last second shots, locking down other teams stars, and giving his all every time he took the floor. The NBA’s MVP went to LeBron James this year, but if you really consider what the MVP award means, shouldn’t Roy be a leading candidate, if not the front runner? I honestly believe that no player meant more to their team than Roy did to the Blazers, and Roy finishing 9th in the MVP voting is insulting. Roy doesn’t have the flashy moves of a Chris Paul, the breath taking athleticism of King James, or the resume of a Kobe Bryant. Nationally, Roy may never be viewed in the same light as these aforementioned superstars, because he doesn't have a "look at me" type of personality. Houston’s Ron Artest recently stated that Roy was the hardest player he has ever defended. Artest is perennially regarded as one of the best defenders in the league, and giving a third year player that type of praise is unheard of. Roy may never truly be appreciated by the common NBA fan because of his old school approach, and team first demeanor, but this young star has earned the respect of his colleagues, and teammates throughout the NBA.

With Roy playing “Batman” for the Blazers, his partner in crime LaMarcus Aldridge, aka “Robin” has transformed himself into the most feared young big man in the league. Who else currently possesses his combination of raw athleticism, deadly mid range jumper, emerging defensive presence, and up and coming back to the basket game? After watching Randy Foye put up meaningless (and honestly underwhelming) numbers in Minnesota, and Tyrus Thomas flail around like a chicken with his head cut off this postseason, I have to believe Kevin Pritchard has a decent understanding of what he is doing. If you were to plug Foye and Thomas into the current roster, the only excitement in the Rose City this offseason would be the debate of who we should take with the first pick in this June’s draft. KP has given us two franchise bookends, and filled in the gaps with some extremely exciting prospects.

As I look into the future, I believe this youthful team has most of the pieces in place for a 6-8 year championship window (Rudy, Batum, Martell, Joel…Outlaw, though I would like a more veteran/cerebral presence at the 3), similar to what the Spurs had earlier this decade with Timmy, Parker, and Manu. Not to rain on the parade (referring to my prior two paragraphs), but Greg Oden must show significant improvement next season if the Blazers are going to dominate the NBA landscape for the better part of next decade. I understand Oden was a rookie this year, coming off a devastating knee surgery, but 8 points, 20 minutes, and 5 fouls isn’t going to cut it next season. GO did impress me at times in the Houston series, but was that due to my lowered expectations (or possibly Mike Rice and Barrett assuring me that the refs have it out for Greg)? I was getting excited when GO was able to play 3 minutes without picking up a silly foul, or missing a dunk. There were minute flashes of brilliance this year…the put back dunks, weak side blocks, etc., but the Blazer organization clearly expected more than one rim rattling dunk a game from Oden when drafting him. Greg was however drafted into the perfect situation, because of All Star players like BRoy and LA, GO has been able to mature at his own pace, however slow that may be. If GO was on the Thunder, he would be getting crucified on a national scale, and deemed a bust by NBA analyst from coast to coast. I do concede that maybe I have been to impatient and critical of GO at times, like I stated earlier KP hasn’t let us down with any of moves thus far, so time will be the deciding factor.

At the beginning of this season Blazer fans would have settled for any type of playoff appearance. Instead they were able to win 54 games, tie Denver for the Northwest Division Title, and secure a fourth seed in the daunting Western Conference. I think this team is still a piece or two away from representing the west in the finals next year. I would like to see the team add someone like an Udonis Haslem or Brandon Bass to the frontcourt, and maybe try to move Outlaw while he has some trade value. Another key will be the return on Martell Webster, in 2007-2008 Webster showed significant improvement, and if he can build on that the Blazers may have their small forward of the future. All in all, this was an amazing season for the Blazers, exceeding everyone’s expectations. This off season KP will make the necessary adjustments, ensuring the team contends for the foreseeable future. GO BLAZERS!!!