Oregon Football: Power Ranking the 5 Most Important Ducks in 2011

Coming into the 2011 season, you can start to look at the depth chart and realize that the Ducks are deep at some positions but have some concerns at others.

Last year, the luxury that Oregon enjoyed was the fact that not only did the it have senior leadership, but it also had youth that was feeding off the seniors' energy.

As the season approaches, here are the five most important Ducks players entering Week 1 against LSU.

No. 5: Terrell Turner

Another position hit hard by graduation was defensive line, as Oregon lost Kenny Rowe and Brandon Bair. Returning to the line is Terrell Turner, who should continue to give the Ducks production of the edge.

As a senior, Turner will be a leader on that line, teaming up with Ricky Heimuli, Taylor Hart and Dion Jordan.

The loss of Turner would mean more than tackles; it would cost Oregon a leader on its defensive line and defensive group.

No. 4: LaMichael James

I know you are probably wondering how LaMichael James is at number four on this list, but while he is an incredible talent in the backfield, Oregon is loaded at running back, and losing him for any length of time would not be as significant as the loss of players at other positions.

James is one of the front-runners for this year's Heisman award, but behind him awaits Kenjon Barner, Lache Seastrunk and true freshman DeAnthony Thomas.

With the wealth of talent in the backfield, Coach Chip Kelly will be able to keep James rested and fresh throughout the season.

No. 3: Cliff Harris

Off-the-field issues have put Cliff Harris into a bad spot. After the problems had mounted up for Harris, Coach Chip Kelly was forced to suspend him indefinitely but to include the LSU game.

Harris is not only a game changer on defense but is an explosive punt returner that gave the Ducks a clear advantage on special teams.

The team needs Harris to get his act together and earn his way back on the field, as he would be a major loss every game he cannot suit up for.

No. 2: Josh Huff

Last year, Josh Huff made a huge impact as a freshman and was able to turn some heads with his playmaking abilities. In 2011, Huff will be even more important.

During spring practice, Huff hurt his knee and has been able to stay under the radar since then. The Ducks will be needing him to make a full recovery, as they lost Jeff Maehl and D.J. Davis to graduation.

If the Ducks were not able to get a healthy Huff onto the field, they would have to lean heavily on senior Lavasier Tuinei until some of the younger receivers were able to learn the offense.

Duck fans are hoping that some of their new recruits like Devon Blackmon and Rahsaan Vaughn can help fill the void in Week 1.

No. 1: Darron Thomas

Duck fans need to understand one thing. The image they least can afford to see is Darron Thomas going down with a significant injury. Unlike at other positions, Oregon is not that deep at quarterback, and an injury to Thomas could derail both its conference championship and BCS title hopes.

Should Thomas go down with an injury, the Ducks will have to turn to Bryan Bennett. Bennett has received high praise but has yet to take a snap in a live game.