Oregon Football: 5 New Offensive Players Who Will Shine for Ducks

Oregon Ducks fans should not fear the 2012 season. The loss of Darron Thomas and LaMichael James on offense will not stop Chip Kelly and his mad pursuit to re-write every offensive record in the book.

The last few recruiting classes have been filled with explosive playmakers bred to execute Kelly's up-tempo offense.

These young players will need to step up this offseason if Oregon expects to win another Pac-12 championship. 

This slideshow will highlight five guys poised to breakout in 2012 and become shining stars on an already talented offense.

Devon Blackmon: WR/PR

Devon Blackmon was recruited in 2011 for his elite speed and juicy jukes.

He will first see the field as a punt returner. His ability to change direction immediately while ducking and dodging defenders will make him a regular on ESPN's Top 10 Plays of the Week. 

Blackmon may not be a starter on offense next year, but his playmaking abilities will earn him some touches. He will excel in running Oregon's bubble screens, where he can zig-zag through the defense with the help of his blockers.

Blackmon will not put up incredible receiving statistics in 2012, but his ability to out-maneuver 11 defenders with ease will result in a few memorable touchdowns and make him a fan favorite.

Pharaoh Brown: TE

Colt Lyerla would be on this list if he hadn't scored five touchdowns as a freshman. At an athletic 6'5" and 220 pounds, Lyerla will replace David Paulson as the starter in 2012.

Second on the depth chart will be Pharaoh Brown, who signed with Oregon this past spring.

Standing at 6'6", he is a big, lengthy target. While he is not very fast, his long arms enable him to out-reach defenders for the ball. 

Brown is an asset in the run game, as his strong build can be used to set the edge when De'Anthony Thomas blows past him en route to a sideline scramble.

Brown's biggest offensive contributions will come at the goal line. With defenses thinking run, all the quarterback has to do is lob the ball towards the cross bar, where Brown can out-jump the defense for the score. 

Dwayne Stanford: WR

Dwayne Stanford has the potential to be the Ducks' go-to target in 2012. Standing at 6'5", he has the size to out-position cornerbacks for the ball and the speed to beat defenses deep. 

Stanford is a member of the 2012 recruiting class. He will need to catch on quick if he intends to play his freshman year. Considering his combination of height and athleticism, there is no reason to believe that he cannot make an instant impact.

His value as a jump-ball target in the red zone will be huge for Oregon's offense. He leaps like a cat, fully extending and contorting his body until his hands find the ball. 

Lavasier Tuinei has been the Ducks' only tall receiver for the past few seasons. Now that he is moving on, Oregon's offense will need Stanford to fill his shoes, something which should not be too difficult for this future stud. 

Byron Marshall: RB

Three unproven youngsters (Ayele Forde, Antawn Baker and Byron Marshall) will be fighting for a chance to play behind Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas in the Ducks' lethal offense.

Expect Marshall (the only running back commit from this past spring) to emerge as the favorite.

With a solid 5'10," 195-pound build, Marshall has the potential to be a productive back right away. He is a decisive runner who builds momentum behind his speed. This enables him to gain yards after initial contact, if defenders can catch him.

He is not incredibly agile and will not be as exciting as LaMichael James or Thomas, but his ability to hit cutback lanes while maintaining speed will enable him to pull off big runs.

Barner will not be able to fill James' shoes, but with Marshall and Thomas helping him out, the Ducks' ground game will not miss a beat.

Marcus Mariota: QB

Imagine Colin Kaepernick playing for Oregon. This dream could come close to reality in 2012 if Marcus Mariota can get a handle of Chip Kelly's offense.

Recruited in 2011, the 6'4", 185-pound quarterback oozes potential. So much that he may beat out Bryan Bennett for the starting spot.

Mariota is a duel -hreat quarterback with a powerful arm. He can launch the ball downfield and zip it to the sideline.

As a runner, he is faster than he is quick but can still be elusive in the pocket. He makes smart reads on option runs and has a long-legged stride that enables him to eat up yards in a hurry. 

What makes Mariota such a great fit for the offense is his ability to accurately throw the ball on the run. If he can keep his cool and look to pass the ball before taking off, Oregon's offense will be truly special. 

While Bennett proved to be a capable and productive starter in limited time last season, Mariota is the more talented candidate.