Oregon Football Review: Grading the Ducks' Skill Positions in 2011

With the 2011 regular season now behind the Oregon Ducks, their focus is on the 2012 season and winning a fourth straight conference title. 

As we continue to wait for the offseason to pass and summer drills to begin, here is a look back at some of the key skill players on the Oregon roster and how they performed during the 2011 season. 

Darron Thomas

While some Oregon fans were not always thrilled with the job that Darron Thomas did, he actually had a statistically better year in 2011 than he did in 2010. 

Granted, Thomas did throw for less yards, but he matched his 30-touchdown total and threw six less interceptions in 2011.

Also, in two years as a starter, Thomas is now the school record holder for career touchdown passes.

Clearly, the knee injury Thomas suffered during the Arizona State game hindered him throughout the 2011 season, and his lack of rushing attempts left fans wanting to pull their hair out.

Grade: A-

LaMichael James

Think about this: During the 2011 season, LaMichael James missed two straight games and almost another entire game's worth of action and still rushed for 1,646 yards and 17 touchdowns.

If James put forth even an average number of yards in each of the games he missed, he'd easily have been over 1,800 yards and a serious Heisman contender.

With his workman performance in the Rose Bowl, James capped off his career with a great game and is now moving on to the NFL.

Grade: A

Kenjon Barner

Kenjon Barner has come a long way since the LSU game last year.

In the opener, much like the rest of the team, Barner was held in check and even had a key fumble that started Oregon's downward spiral. 

As the year progressed and James had off-and-on injury struggles, Barner came through big and showed Duck fans that even with James leaving this year, the backfield is in good hands. 

Grade: A-

Josh Huff

It was certainly an interesting year for Josh Huff. After a huge season as a freshman, many expected that he would fill in nice for Jeff Maehl.

While that opportunity certainly presented itself, two things plagued him this year.

First, Darron Thomas did not seem to look downfield much this year, which limited Huff's big-play ability. And when Thomas did look downfield for him, Huff often had issues with drops.

Grade: C+ 

David Paulson

Aside from LaMichael James, David Paulson will be one of the most missed players from this year's graduating class.

Paulson showed great hands and blocking ability at tight end, while offering up some highlight catches. 

While Paulson may not have put up huge numbers, it speaks more to the lack of looks he received. But that still does not overshadow the contributions he made in the run game.

Grade: A+

De'Anthony Thomas

What can be said about the De'Anthony Thomas that hasn't already been said?

"Black Mamba" was a huge weapon in the run, pass and return game. 

Just a freshman last year, Thomas was amazing after having some key fumbles versus LSU, and he could prove to be a game-changer during the 2012 season.

Grade: A

Lavasier Tuinei

Lavasier Tuinei was much like the rest of Oregon's receivers, struggling with drops throughout the year.

In games with equal or superior talent, Tuinei often found himself unable to stretch the field and give the Ducks the deep threat they needed.

On the other hand, Tuinei was an outstanding run block receiver who allowed the Ducks' rushing game to make up for their lack of passing attack.

Grade: B-

Bryan Bennett

While Bryan Bennett only saw limited time, he came into the Arizona State game cold and provided the Ducks with huge plays that secured a win. He then led the Ducks to a dominating road victory.

Granted, there is not much to judge Bennett on.

But his blend of rushing ability and passing ability should have Ducks fans excited for the 2012-13 season. 

Grade: A