College Football 2008: Oregon Ducks Preview

Now a senior, Johnson could be called upon to carry the offense while the new faces in the passing game mesh. Junior College transfer LaGarrette Blount lacks Stewart's speed, but is a powerful and productive runner who some compare to former USC standout LenDale White.

He will look to bring Oregon the “thunder” style of runner to complement Johnson’s “lightning.” Andre Crenshaw could see time in relief of Johnson, as he possesses a similar skill set and performed admirably as a change of pace runner for Stewart after Johnson’s injury last season.

Graduation leaves Oregon razor thin at wide receiver, losing two fifth-year seniors and Cameron Colvin.

The good news is that leading receiver Jaison Williams returns; the bad news is that his inconsistency plagued him throughout last season. Though he possesses a combination of size, speed and strength to be considered among the elite receivers in the country, William’s hands have earned him the dubious nickname “fifty-fifty” among Ducks fans.  The nickname aptly describes his catching ability.

Junior Derrick Jones' recent trouble with the law for marijuana possession leaves his future with the football team in question; this is not his first offence having been suspended for several games last season. If his participation with the track team is any indication though, he will likely remain on the roster.

Sophomores Aaron Pflugrad and Jeffrey Maehl are the only other wide outs with meaningful experience, but if Jones keeps his nose clean and the recruits (such as 6-6 former tight end Dion Jordan) perform well enough in camp Maehl could be moved back to safety.

Ed Dickson provides a play-making presence at tight end and may be called upon to contribute a bigger role this season.

While the skill positions undergo considerable reshuffling the offensive line returns three-fifths intact.

Center Max Unger returns to lead the  OL unit in his senior season, and the backups who will step in to replace the graduated starters have significant game experience. Several four-star recruits from the past two seasons ensure enough depth to keep fresh bodies on the field, leading to hopes that 2008’s line can be just as effective as 2007’s.

Matt Evenson returns as an effective, if unspectacular place-kicker along with long snapper Spencer Young, giving hope that the Ducks will not be left out in the cold in tight situations where a few points will decide the game. Oregon will need a new holder to replace Leaf, who graduated. That may be Roper who took over for an injured Leaf last season.

Punter Josh Syria will look to improve on a solid debut season. The kick-coverage teams who, despite vast improvement under dedicated special teams coach Tom Osborne, still allowed opponents generous field position too often for many fans’ liking last season.

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