Time To Go To Work

As spring camp approaches, I think the Ducks fans are a little concerned, but also excited for the future of the Oregon Football program.

With news breaking in the Wichita Eagle earlier this week that Chris Harper is going to "evaluate his options", according to his older brother, after the school year ends. It raises some questions.

Chris Harper was a local star in Witchita, KS, where he played for Northwest High School. He spent time on the K-State campus prior to making his decision to join the ranks of promising Oregon Quarterbacks. 

Last season, he made his presence known when Nate Costa went down with an injury. He impressed many with his running, carrying the ball 35 times for 137 yards and scoring two touchdowns, despite having a lingering groin injury.

His pass catching became apparent as well, catching nine passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. His position of choice is still quarterback, although many think he would be more suited in a slash role, working out of the slot or lining up in wildcat type formations.

The off season reports started with the news of LaGarret Blount being sidelined indefinitely from the team, due to academic reasons. It is now believed to be because he missed workouts in December. 

Leaving questions about the running game at Oregon. The Ducks are stacked with young talent backing up Blount, yet all of which is unproven. 

This brings us to Chip Kelly. The offensive guru at Oregon the last two seasons, his job got increasingly more difficult when last season ended with a 42-31 win against a very tough Big 12 team in Oklahoma State.

After being named the next head coach in waiting, fans are excited to see what he can do with full control of the reins. It is time for him to earn his money.

The highly recruited Bryce Brown is yet to make a commitment, with Oregon, K-State, and Miami still on his list. Kelly needs to put out an extra effort in solidifying Harper's original commitment to Oregon.

Bryce Brown also hails from Wichita, KS where he played for East High School, and has become one of the most talked-about recruits for Oregon since Jonathan Stewart.  Brown is already considering his professional carreer, thinking of playing in the Canadian Football League, where they have no rule against players jumping from high school.

Having Harper on the team when Brown makes his decision can help ease concerns from both players. Even though Ladale Harper, Chris' older brother, says there is no connection between the two athletes. I still feel there are some good, probable reasons that it will have an effect.

First off, they probably have many of the same acquaintances, they know the same places, and many other things that will remind them of home.

Secondly, the two of them have skills that will play well together. They remind me of the way Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart unselfishly dismantled defenses.

The Duck's Football team is stuck with one prolonging question. On March 16, they should get the answer. Brown will anounce his decision. Now that will be the day Coach Kelly's job might really begin. He may then have to find a way to keep them.