Oregon Football: Ducks Uniforms; Innovative or Embarrassing?

Over the past decade, the Oregon football program has continued to evolve and change, and that is true from the product on the field to the uniforms on the players' backs.

There has been so much change with the Oregon program that while some schools hang their hat on tradition, Oregon believes that their tradition is change.

When people are introduced to the Oregon football program, they either draw one of two conclusions: The first could be the idea that this school is nuts and can't decide on a uniform. Or second, there are some that like the different looks and it gives them a reason to follow the Ducks on the field.

With their close affiliation with Nike owner Phil Knight, Oregon has been the beneficiary of new uniforms from Nike and have even gone as far as to be on a three-year cycle with their uniforms.

While some people may look at this constant change as embarrassing, Oregon has truly owned it and turned it into an advantage.

In today's recruiting world, most major programs can offer a great fan base, amazing stadium, terrific facilities and more, but the difference-maker comes from intangibles that appeal to a younger generation.

With the changes to Oregon's uniforms, they have found a way to appeal to a younger generation that is still trying to figure out where they want to play football in college.

More than ever, younger kids are focused on their image, which is why these types of intangibles may interest them. While new uniforms and different looks may not be a reason that a kid would choose Oregon, it is a way for Chip Kelly and his coaching staff to open the door and then give a recruit their full pitch.

Despite the thousands of combinations that Oregon can wear on any given Saturday (and what the overall impression is of this), people are starting to realize that this is helping the Ducks as they continue to rise to the top of the national rankings.

While some may sit and say to themselves about how the Ducks are only embarrassing themselves, they need to realize that Oregon has innovated a new way to appeal to the future stars of college football.