Oregon Football: Senior Wide Receiver to Miss 2012 Season Due to Injuries

Unfortunately for the Oregon Ducks, their receiving corps just got a little bit thinner. Senior wide receiver Justin Hoffman will not be playing for the Ducks in 2012

According to OregonLive.com, head coach Chip Kelly confirmed today that Hoffman "will forgo his senior season on the advice of medical personnel."

This is unfortunate news, obviously both for Hoffman and for the Ducks. In his first three years, Hoffman totaled 10 catches for 133 yards. However, he figured to play a much bigger role in 2012 with the departure of Lavasier Tuinei and with DeAnthony Thomas likely spending more time at running back.

However, Chip Kelly also noted that Hoffman will "remain an integral part of the Ducks' football program as an undergraduate assistant coach."

Kelly went on to say that "Hoffman epitomizes what a student-athlete should be. No individual has worked harder to make himself a good football player and his contributions have been immeasurable. I am anticipating the impact he makes on this team from a coaching standpoint to be just as great as it was on the field."

While Hoffman will be missed on the field, Kelly seems confident that his contribution as a coach will be valuable. This is great to hear, considering the bad luck Hoffman has suffered with these injuries. 

This news must be particularly frustrating for the Ducks as former 5-star tight end Curtis White retired from the program earlier this off-season due to injuries as well. 

In the absence of the senior wideout, the Ducks have a very young receiving corps. Josh Huff, Rashaan Vaughn and Daryle Hawkins are the only real veteran wide receivers that Oregon has, especially with DeAnthony Thomas spending more time at running back. 

Hopefully Oregon's batch of young stars can step up with the help of their new undergraduate assistant coach in 2012.