Oregon Ducks Recruiting 2012: Top 7 Recruits Chip Kelly Is Counting on Most

Chip Kelly and The Oregon Ducks have a lot of things going for them. They've been to three consecutive BCS Bowl Games, play in one of the fastest systems in all of college football and have the swag of Nike making its presence felt year after year.

So how is it that the Ducks have only managed to recruit one out of the nation's top 150 players so far this season?

Whether it be the lack of a pro-style offense, the wet climate of Eugene or something in between, the Ducks seem to be passed over by many of the nation's top recruits on a regular basis.

Despite what the recruiting classes have looked like in the past, Kelly has a tendency to get players on the field who can make plays, and the Ducks have a few players coming in next season the team should look to for the same production moving forward.

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Byron Marshall

The Oregon Ducks love they're running backs—no secret there.

Byron Marshall may be the Ducks top recruit this season, and has the speed to fit the Oregon spread offense perfectly. At 5'10", 195 pounds, Marshall might be the balanced back the Ducks have been missing since Jonathan Stewart.

With as many talented running backs as the Ducks have, don't expect to see Marshall starting behind Bryan Bennett next season. But don't expect to see him be on the scout team either.

"I'm not going there to redshirt," Marshall told Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian. Whether it be running at tailback, catching out of the slot or returning kicks, expect Marshall to make an impact almost immediately.

DeForest Buckner

The Ducks have had so much success in their own conference over the past three seasons, that it's easy to forget how much they have struggled against the rest of the country. While the team has been known for its speed, it has also been noted for its lack of size.

Lucky for Oregon, this guy might just have both.

At 6'7", DeForest Buckner will be the second tallest player in Oregon's recruiting class. Despite his 73 tackles in the 2011 season, Buckner comes in weighing only 230 pounds. While there's room to get stronger, for now his speed and height are his best assets.

Ranked the No. 17 defensive end in the country, Buckner should come in and immediately begin learning from defensive end Dion Jordan.

At 6'7", 240 pounds, Jordan recorded a team-high 7.5 sacks this season. If you like his game, expect to see a similar one from Buckner for another four years.

Dwayne Stanford

Dwayne Stanford could very well be the next Lavasier Tuinei.

At 6'5", 185 pounds, Stanford will eventually become the big target that Ducks will be missing following the departure of Tuinei, the senior receiver.

He pictures himself being similar to Tuinei, but wants to add an element of speed to the receiver spot. Being big is one thing—you can't teach height, right? But being big and fast is a whole different beast for opposing defenses to game plan around.

If you're the Ducks, how can you argue with that?

Like most incoming freshman, Stanford needs to hit the weight room. But if you're the Chip Kelly, don't let him lose the speed that got him nine touchdowns during his senior season.



Kyle Long

In the past three seasons, despite being touted for their successful running game, the Ducks have had trouble running the ball against bigger defenses. Blocking has been an issue against the size and strength of the nation's elite teams.

Although Kyle Long is only a three-star recruit, the 6'7" transfer from Saddleback Junior College will instantly add depth and size to a front line that has been undersized in the past.

The Ducks' spread offense has left the team's skill players vulnerable in the past. Adding 290 pounds to the offensive line should surely help protect the Oregon backfield—consider Long to be insurance.

Long is the son of former Oakland Raider Howie Long, and the brother of current St. Louis Ram Chris Long.

Brett Bafaro

Let's be honest, Ducks' fans are going to like almost any player who spurns the Washington Huskies in favor of Eugene.

Although the 2012 Ducks will likely display a more experienced defense than was seen on the field last season, Brett Bafaro could step in and make a name for himself early.

With senior linebackers Josh Kaddu and DeWitt Stuckey gone, Bafaro finds himself in a situation to show off his athleticism early.

Having played offense and defense in high school, Barafo gives the Ducks a sense of versatility that they haven't seen during Chip Kelly's tenure at the university. Maybe they'll play him on offense, maybe they won't. But if you're looking for evidence it could work, look no further than Stanford's former star, Owen Marecic. 

Shaq Thompson

The Ducks have made late-season recruiting a habit over the last few seasons.

Beginning with Terrelle Pryor in 2008, moving on to Bryce Brown in 2009 and adding in DeAnthony Thomas in 2010, the Ducks have made pushes to sign top recruits in the final weeks leading up to national signing day—only Thomas worked out the way the Ducks preferred.

Without a clear-cut top recruit in this year’s class, Chip Kelly is making a late push for five-star recruit, Shaq Thompson.

Regarded as the No. 1 safety in the country, and the fourth overall recruit in the 2012 class, the Oregon Ducks are looking to boost a defense that is often overshadowed by the team's prolific offense.

Kelly isn't the only one recruiting Thompson to the university, however.

Former Oregon tailback, LaMichael James, is doing his part as well to convince Thompson that Eugene is a good place for students, athletes and families alike. 

At 6'2", 200 pounds, he is surely the perfect mold for defensive coordinator Nick Alioti's aggressive style, and could be an instant replacement for senior Eddie Pleasant.

If defense wins championships—and the SEC would likely claim it does—Kelly should be drooling over the prospect of landing Thompson on national signing day.

Arik Armstead

Speaking of last-second recruits, meet Arik Armstead.

Chip Kelly reportedly visited Armstead Thursday in an attempt to sway him away from the likes of Cal, Notre Dame, and Auburn

At 6'8", 285 pounds, the defensive lineman from Elk Grove, California would add to a defensive line that is often taken advantage of by the rival offense.

Remember what Nick Fairley did to Darron Thomas in the 2011 BCS National Championship game? Imagine Armstead tearing through the opposing offensive line to prevent the secondary from having to creep forward.

I know the Ducks like finesse, but that sounds pretty good doesn't it?

Armstead can be a star on defense, and having seen the SEC reign in six straight BCS championships, Chip Kelly must be getting the idea that your top recruits don't always have to be loaded with skill players.