Oregon Football: Latest News, Injuries and Team Updates

The Oregon Ducks are all done with spring practice and the spring game, and they now will begin preparing for the regular season. This team returns majority of their starters from a year ago and have a possible national championship on their mind—along with a Pac-12 title, of course. Questions do remain on both sides of the ball, but Duck fans couldn’t be more excited for a new year.

The Ducks had a very successful spring game, but now it's time to look ahead to the regular season.

Here is the latest Oregon Ducks news and updates for the 2012 season.

Quarterback Will Be Very Interesting

Bryan Bennett came into the spring as the likely favorite to land the starting quarterback position for the Ducks. He was the backup last year and played very well in mop-up duty as a freshman behind starter Darron Thomas. Now, it appears that Marcus Mariota has made his mark on this team and could very well become the starter this season over Bennett.

“I think Mariota played really, really good,” said Oregon defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti after the spring game. “I’m not a quarterback coach, but I thought he was fantastic.”

Mariota threw the ball for over 200 yards and a touchdown, also rushing for 99 yards and two scores with his feet. Bennett had thrown for over 200 yards and a touchdown pass as well. It's pretty clear that Bennett provides the more experience, but Mariota provides the dual-threat ability, which would fit perfect in this high-scoring offense.

“I’m pleased with our quarterbacks,” said head coach Chip Kelly.“(It’s) not a position I’m worried about.”

Chad Whitener Likes Oregon as a Landing Spot

Chad Whitener is a linebacker out of Mansfield, TX, who really likes the Oregon Ducks.

“I like Oregon. Three BCS bowl games in a row, I mean, you really can’t beat that coming out of a tough conference like the Pac-12.” Whitener said.

Whitener does not have an offer on the table from the school yet, but he has been keeping in contact, and linebackers coach Don Pellum would plan to use him as a middle linebacker if he does end up in Eugene.

Whitener isn't a player who's highly ranked on most recruiting sites, but he's a physical player who has his eyes on some top schools.

“Yeah, I have TCU, Arkansas, Oregon and Texas A&M. Those are just the tops (in no order).” said Whitener.

Terrell Newby Also Has His Eyes on Oregon

Terrell Newby is an elusive running back who has great field vision. He may only be a 3-star player on most recruiting sites, but that hasn't stopped many of the top schools from throwing offers on the table.

“Right now, my top schools are Cal, Oregon, USC and Nebraska,” said Newby. “I’m really keeping that fifth spot open for now.”

Newby really isn't in any hurry to make a decision, as he hopes to make all of his official visits before deciding on a school. The speedy running back would be another great pickup for this program and would fit nicely in Chip Kelly's system.

According to Scout.com, it seems like Oregon and Cal are the two early favorites for his services.

ESPN Ranks the Ducks No. 4 in New Poll

Despite losing their Heisman candidate running back and their starting quarterback, the Ducks are ranked No. 4 in the country, according to ESPN and their new preseason poll. The only teams that are ranked higher than the Ducks are USC, LSU and Alabama.

It looks like the Ducks are in for another explosive and interesting season.

Updates

This article will be updated throughout the offseason and through the fall with any injury updates, position battles or any other breaking news concerning the Oregon Ducks.