Andiel Brown comes back as a solid returner, though look for several younger players like true freshman LaMichael James, to find playing time in the return game.
The defense returns a corps of experienced and talented players that filled in for several injured starters and improved toward the end of '07.
The Duck defense may need to carry the team early as the new playmakers on offense find their footing.
The strength of the team is generally considered to be the secondary, where leading tackler Patrick Chung returns for his senior year at rover. A ball hawk and an extremely physical player, Chung ranks as one of the top safeties on the West Coast, though sometimes out of position having to support against the run.
Hero of the USC game Mathew Harper is gone, and someone will have to step up and be a playmaker in his stead defending the pass. Junior Titus Jackson seems the most likely candidate, though other DB’s could push for time with strong off seasons.
Corners Walter Thurmond III and Jairus Byrd will start for the third consecutive season and both have shown they can be solid playmakers.
Nickleback Willie Glasper was inconsistent last season, especially against USC where he gave up several big plays.
While rightly considered the strength of the defense, Oregon’s secondary is at its best when keeping opposing playmakers in front of them. Several teams found vulnerabilities in the Duck’s coverage schemes in the 15-20 yard range last season and Oregon must improve in this area to make a strong run in '08.
Though speedy and swarming, fans and coaches alike would like to see the Duck’s front seven make more plays on their own, rather than simply filling holes and leaving it to the DB’s to take down opposing ball carriers.
Defensive tackle has been an iffy spot in the lineup ever since the departure of Haloti Ngata, but seniors Ra’Shon Harris and Cole Linehan will lead the rotation and try to improve security in the interior.
Off the edge come Nick Reed and Will Tukuafu, both excellent pass rushers who will lead the charge against opposing quarterbacks. Reed won Defensive Player of the Week honors in Pac-10 last year, and Tukuafu has been one of the most consistent players on the line.
Behind these two is little experience however, young players must step up to earn playing time and keep these two fresh for those pivotal drives late in games.
Linebacker looked to be a problem area last year and several injuries only exacerbated things. The replacements performed well, however and gained invaluable experience for this year.
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