Oregon Ducks Football: Replacing Cliff Harris
It's hard to believe that there's an Oregon Ducks fan who has yet to hear the disturbing news that starting cornerback Cliff Harris has been suspended indefinitely.
With Anthony Gildon likely to solidify one of the two starting cornerback jobs, Cliff Harris' absence leaves Ducks fans wondering who will take his place.
The following list contains the players most likely to fill that void.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu
1 of 8Olomu, a 4-star cornerback out of Chino Hills, CA, is primed and ready to go.
Some recruiting sites have clocked Olomu at running a 4.40 time in the 40-yard dash, so speed is a definite asset.
Olomu will be buried behind a list of young talented DBs for the Oregon Ducks, but watch out for this young stud in a few years.
Dior Mathis
2 of 8Mathis, now a redshirt freshman, has received a lot of praise in his short time with the Ducks.
He is arguably the fastest player on the team, and he was very highly recruited coming out of high school.
After a season redshirting and taking his talents to the track field, Mathis is in the thick of the hunt for a starting spot.
Scott Grady
3 of 8
Grady was arguably the most improved player for the Ducks during spring practices.
Grady appeared in 12 games for the Ducks in their run to Glendale, AZ, and he looks to make the move from reserve to starter.
With solid conditioning in the offseason, Grady may get his shot.
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Troy Hill
4 of 8Without a doubt, Troy Hill was the most dominate player in the secondary this past spring.
In an article by Oregon Live, defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti was quoted saying, "He seems to be a really good tackler, a tough little guy...I like Troy.’’
But even if Hill does not get the starting job, he will definitely see the field at some point.
Terrence Mitchell
5 of 8Mitchell has really impressed me with his efforts over the past year and a half.
He has recorded interceptions in his two spring game appearances, which is an impressive feat.
Mitchell was quite successful on the scout team this past season, and I would not be at all surprised to see No. 27 on the starting rotation on September 3rd.
Brian Jackson
6 of 8
Jackson is a tough player to figure out.
He played a multitude of positions in high school, and his lack of burst speed (4.72 40-yard dash) seems to conclude he will eventually move over to safety.
With the abundance of young cornerbacks, Jackson’s versatility could have him rotating with John Boyett and Eddie Pleasant in 2011.
De’Anthony Thomas
7 of 8I have a hunch this is who most Ducks fans would like to see Chip Kelly go with.
Oregon fans have been drooling over young Thomas’ incredible highlight reels and are ready to see him in green and yellow.
Or whatever uniform combination the Ducks decide to go with.
Thomas has already said that he intends on playing running back for Oregon, but an opportunity like this may be too good to pass on.
Avery Patterson
8 of 8
Patterson was recruited by just about every Pac-10 team in high school and now has the opportunity of a lifetime.
Cliff Harris’ void leaves Patterson the primary option to replace the headline-grabbing corner.
Patterson clocked an eye-popping 4.35 in the 40-yard dash his senior year, but since adding 10 lbs over the past season he has lost a little speed.
But don’t let that fool you; he can keep up with any SEC receiver.
Look for Patterson’s name at the top of the cornerback depth chart come September 3rd.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
