Oregon Spring Game 2016: Date, Start Time, TV Schedule, Live Stream and More

The Oregon Ducks might have the most interesting spring game in the country this year.

Head coach Mark Helfrich has a team healthy enough for a draft and actual game, something he's excited to share with fans and use as a tool to craft the best possible starting lineup.

"We are going to play a game (that) will resemble American football," Helfrich said, according to Tyson Alger of the Oregonian. "We will play as much of a true game as possible."

With a new defense looking to make a debut, quarterbacks vying for the starting gig, key recruits in attendance and an emphasis on the military on top of real football getting played, Oregon demands attention this weekend.

2016 Oregon Spring Game

When: Saturday at 2 p.m. ET

Where: Autzen Stadium

TV: Pac-12 Networks

Live Stream: Pac-12.com

Before getting to the on-field action, one has to digest the off-field implications of Oregon's big annual event Saturday.

For one, the Ducks have a heavyweight lineup of important recruits visiting for the game, as compiled by Alger's colleague, Thomas Boyd. Wideout Jaylon Redd, among others, headlines the visitors.

There are also the game's community benefits, as it places an emphasis on the military and gathering food donations, according to GoDucks.com.

"A tribute to the state's armed forces serving the country, as well as a means to replenish the local food bank, once again serves as the backdrop for the University of Oregon's annual spring game that will offer a glimpse of the Ducks' 2016 football team on Saturday, April 30."

An incredible event off the field, the on-field action shouldn't have problems meeting the standard.

The storylines start right under center after the departure of Vernon Adams Jr. and the ensuing battle between Dakota Prukop and Travis Jonsen.

Jonsen might know the offense better, but it appears the transfer Prukop has a leg up in the competition through sheer experience. There's a reason offensive coordinator Matt Lubick has already compared Prukop to Adams, according to ESPN.com's Chantel Jennings:

"

They're both very similar in the fact that they make a mistake and they're able to put it behind them. They don't let one mistake lead to another. They learn from things, they don't dwell on them. That's the thing you worry about. A young guy might make mistakes and start losing confidence. They out-think themselves.

"

Neither quarterback should have problems moving the ball, though, not with a deep crop of wideouts and a new-look backfield with a veteran leader, Royce Freeman.

Make a point to see how both players react to what the coaching staff expects to be live action, though, which is always a good measure of where a young quarterback stands.

Ditto for the new-look defense.

Most of the talk this spring has focused on the quarterbacks, but defensive coordinator Brady Hoke isn't far behind as he transitions the program to a 4-3 scheme.

This is always an awkward situation at any level, as guys who were brought on for old schemes are now asked to move around and handle new responsibilities, if not new positions. But so far, so good for the Ducks, especially with Helfrich praising the job Hoke has done.

"There's just a renewed energy and urgency from guys," Helfrich told John Canzano of the Oregonian and 750 The Game. "(Hoke) has a great combination of demanding, old-school drill sergeant-esque type of characteristics but then also can put his arm around anybody and talk about their family and let them know we're there for those guys."

The old mixes with the new Saturday to what should be interesting results. It's as true on defense as it is on offense, where big-name players such as running back Freeman and tight end Pharaoh Brown return.

It's an exciting time for the Ducks given this transition period at the most important position of all and altering an entire unit to accommodate a weakness. Given the off-field importance matches the hype of the on-field happenings, Oregon has once again outdone itself for spring festivities.

For those with a vested interest in the program, Saturday is one of the most important dates of the year.

Stats and info courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.