Oregon Recruiting: 5 Recruits Who Could See Immediate Action

This Wednesday, National Signing Day, the future of Oregon Ducks football will be announced as prospects throughout the country fax in their letter of intent to their respective college choices.  Coming off three straight BCS Bowl appearances, recruiting expectations have been raised in recent years for head coach Chip Kelly and company. 

As it currently stands there are 19 known commitments to the University of Oregon football team.  The majority of these commitments will redshirt their first year on campus, which will allow them to pick up the playbook, gain weight and or speed, and adjust to the overall college experience. 

While most commitments will redshirt there will be a select few that are called upon for immediate action, as the Ducks look to win the Pac-12 for the fourth straight year.  Here is a look at the potential signings that could be thrust into immediate action for the University of Oregon.

Kyle Long

Kyle Long, the son of NFL great Howie Long, took an interesting path prior to his commitment to Oregon.  Long originally pursued college baseball at Florida State before switching to football and committing to the Ducks from Saddleback Junior College. 

Standing at 6’7” and 290 pounds, Long will be expected to contribute immediately along the offensive line.  Due to the offensive pace Oregon rotates their lineman frequently, and it would be surprising if Long is not in Oregon’s offensive line rotation when the 2012 season starts. 

Long may even be the starter at tackle for Oregon’s season opener in 2012 due to the graduation of this past year's starter Darrion Weems.  

Arik Armstead

The Ducks most prized commitment of the 2012 class, Arik Armstead, is also their most recent commitment.  Armstead, a former USC commitment due to his lofty ranking and size, is 6’7” and 280 pounds, and will be expected to contribute immediately.  

After starring on both the offensive and defensive line in high school, Armstead will be playing defensive end for the Ducks.  Like the Duck offense, the Oregon defense rotates heavily and it is expected that Armstead will be an immediate member of the defensive line rotation.  

Stetson Bair

This should be a familiar name to Duck fans, Stetson Bair is the brother of former Oregon Duck defensive lineman Brandon Bair.  Bair flew under recruiting radars at Iowa Western Community College before making his commitment to the Oregon Duck program. 

Despite the low profile as a recruit, expect Bair to be key member of the defensive line rotation this coming season.  Bair, like his older brother, is a lengthy defensive lineman that will cause havoc in the passing lanes with his reach.  

With the graduation of two defensive ends and Oregon’s frequent defensive line rotations, expect Bair to be a situational player in the 2012 season.

Byron Marshall

Even with running backs Kenjon Barner, DeAnthony Thomas, and Tra Carson ahead of him, there will still be plenty of touches to warrant Byron Marshall not redshirting.  Marshall won’t have the same impact that last year's freshman running back DeAnthony Thomas did, but then again there aren’t many “Black Mambas” out there.  

Even with the loaded depth chart in front of him look for Chip Kelly to find ways to get Marshall involved as the season progresses.  The Ducks like having three running backs that get touches per game, and while Marshall sits fourth on the depth chart right now, there will be an opportunity to move up in the 2012 season.  

Marshall may only be heavily involved in blow out games in 2012, but he is certainly one to watch going forward.

Reggie Daniels

With the graduation of safety Eddie Pleasant, there is an opening in the secondary that needs to be filled.  While incoming safety prospect Reggie Daniels more than likely won’t win that starting job, he could be a contributor as a nickel back in passing downs.   

Even if Daniels isn’t a contributor on defense, he could be a valuable member of the special teams unit.  Some of the greatest contributions Oregon got from freshmen last year came on special teams from the likes of Colt Lyerla and Anthony Wallace among others.  

Daniels is an explosive athlete that is known to be a hard hitter. Whether it be on special teams or in the secondary, don’t be surprised to hear Daniels name next year.