Oregon Duck's 2009 Position Battles

Oregon lost some key starters from their 10-3 team last season but Jeremiah Masoli headlines a stellar group of Ducks returning for 2009.  The Ducks addressed their needs well on signing day and attracted some junior college players who should contribute immediately. 

Some positions, like quarterback, seem secure barring injury, but positions like wide receiver, and defensive tackle should be what Oregon fans are watching throughout the spring. 

The Ducks lost their two starting wide outs in Jaison Williams and Terrence Scott. Junior Jeff Maehl, sophomore Chris Harper, and senior Ed Dickson are returning and will head into the spring as projected starters.

Other returners include junior D.J. Davis (formerly Drew Davis), junior Aaron Pflugrad, and sophomore Jamere Holland.

The Ducks bolstered their receiving core by picking up juco receivers Lavasier Tuinei and Tyrece Gaines (pending academic issues), and four-star receiver Diante Jackson.  All three receivers bring size and pretty good speed.

Duck fans will say that if any of these players can consistently catch the ball, it will be a major upgrade from receivers in the recent past, namely Williams. 

I expect to see Gaines start along with Davis  at the wide out position, while Dickson and  Maehl take the inside receiver slots. This could be the best unit the Ducks have had since 2001 as long as Masoli can get them the ball.

Oregon’s offensive line was the strength of the offense one year ago but the loss of all-conference performers Max Unger, Mark Lewis, and Fenuki Tupou will have to be filled. 

The good news is that there are many players returning with game experience.  C.E. Kaiser, and Bo Thran are the favorites to take over two of those vacated spots but one looks to still be up for grabs.

Jordan Holmes and Carson York look to make a push for spots as well—especially the center position. Whoever grasps the zone blocking schemes the best will be the starters heading into the fall.  

Another position battle will take place for the starting defensive tackles.  The Ducks lost Ra’Shon Harris and Cole Linehan to graduation but return Blake Ferras and Simi Toeaina. Incoming players who will compete for starting time are juco commit Terrence Montgomery and freshman Justin Brown.

Since the departure of Haloti Ngata, the Ducks have not had a dominating defensive tackle. This group of men should bring more depth to the position but the defensive ends will have to hold up the Ducks in 2009.

I believe the starting lineups will look something like this heading into next fall:

Offense:

QB Jeremiah Masoli, Sr.

RB LaGarrette Blount Sr.

WR Jeff Maehl, Jr.

WR Tyrece Gaines, Jr. (Jamere Holland is here if Gaines doesn’t qualify)

WR Chris Harper, So.

TE Ed Dickson Sr.

OT Bo Thran, Jr.

OG Carson York, RFr.

C Jordan Holmes, Jr.

OG Mark Asper, Jr.

OT C.E. Kaiser, Jr.

Defense:

DE Will Tukuafa, Sr.

DT Terrence Montgomery, Jr.

DT Blake Ferras, Sr.

DE Kenny Rowe, Jr.

WILL Spencer Paysinger, Jr.

MLB Casey Matthews, Jr.

MIC Eddie Pleasant, So.

DB Walter Thurmond III, Sr.

DB Willie Glasper, Sr.

FS John Boyett, RFr.

ROVER TJ Ward, Sr.