Oregon Ducks: Top 10 Recruits for the 2011 Season

The Oregon Ducks are coming off a great season.

The Ducks were Pacific-10 champs and played for the BCS National Championship game, where they fell to the Auburn Tigers.

The Ducks ended 2010 posting an undefeated regular season at 12-0 (12-1 with BCS championship loss), including a sweep of the Pac-10.

Expect the Ducks to come out hot in 2011 as a quick hitting offense and speedy defense.

Oregon currently finds itself having the No.16 ranked recruiting class in the country. At the moment, they only have one recruit signed, and nine four-star recruits verbally committed.

They are also ranked No. 3 in the Pac-10, ahead of Southern Cal--ranked No.4--and California, who is just behind at No.15.

The following recruits are going to be a vital addition to an Oregon team who is looking to stay at the top of the Pac-10 for years to come.

10) Colt Lyerla, Athlete

3-Star Recruit
Position Rank: 34
Height: 6ft 4in
Weight: 220
High School: Hillsboro, OR
Scout Grade: 79

Lyerla's size and speed allow him to play a number of positions.

In high school, Lyerla played RB, though it is unlikely the Ducks would place him there, typically opting for smaller, quicker backs. His ability to play RB, however, does speak to his ability to catch and run with the ball.

Instead, look for Lyerla to play on the offensive side of the ball at the TE position.

His large frame and height make for a great goal-line situation receiver and blocker for short yardage downs. Nevertheless, he will have his hands full getting a playing spot as Oregon has two similar athletes in their sights.

If he can show that he has good hands and the ability to play at the Oregon pace, he should find himself on the field in his second or third year.

9) Christian French--Athlete

4-Star Recruit
Position Rank: 33
Height: 6ft 5in
Weight: 215
High School: John F. Kennedy, IA
Scout Grade: 79

Scouts have noted Frenchs' size and reach, an asset that should allow for him to be placed at a number of positions.

On offense, he could act as a blocking TE, who can also catch, or as a receiver, given his size. It would be hard for a quarterback to miss him.

With his natural talent and reach, French could also play DE. He would have to put on some weight to handle larger offensive linemen, though he potentially could be a good fit.

Frenchs' versatility allows him to fill many holes, should the need arise. His athleticism would be welcome in Oregon. 

8) Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB

4-Star Recruit
Position Ranking: 17
Height: 5ft 9in
Weight: 180
High School: Chino Hills, CA
Scout Grade: 79

Scouts have been very impressed with Ifo and anticipate more schools being interested in his talents as recruiting heated up.

Despite lacking in height, Ifo played quite well at CB in high school. Plan for him to remain there in Oregon, though scouts believe he could make a transition to the offensive side of the ball, as well.

Ifo has great speed, which helps him cover a lot of ground, as well as keep up with any deep threat. His height could be his downfall, however, as opposing teams are sure to match him against their taller receivers. 

If he is to succeed, he'll need to have a physical style of play, jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage to disrupt their routes.

7) Tyson Coleman, OLB

4-Star Recruit
Position Rank: 17
Height: 6ft 1in
Weight: 200
High School: Lake Oswego, OR
Scout Grade: 79

Coleman is a versatile player who is great at vertically covering the field--a coveted asset for a linebacker.

His smaller frame and speed allow him to quickly end runs to the outside. If his size and weight do not increase, however, scouts predict he may be moved to the strong safety position.

He is quick off the snap, and should be able to reach places sooner than typical strong safeties.

Coleman may not find a starting position for a couple years, but his uncanny speed and ability to cover down the field will find its place in the Oregon defensive scheme eventually.

Look for him to start making a name for himself in his sophomore and junior seasons.

6) B.J. Kelley, WR

4-Star Recruit
Position Rank: 26
Height: 6ft 2in
Weight: 172
High School: Central East, CA
Scout Grade: 80

Kelley is potentially a diamond in the rough for the Ducks, given his lack of scouting.

He is tall and lanky, but can go up against aggressive physical defensive backs. With decent speed and size, Kelley can gain separation and pull away from defenders.

The Oregon coaching staff could use Kelley as a deep threat receiver, or utilize him in quick slants. His reach would allow him to get to balls other, smaller receivers would not.

His weight is an issue. There's question as to whether his 172lb. frame could withstand a hit over the middle from a 230lb linebacker. Time will tell.

Having lost their top two receivers from last year, look for Kelley to get thrown into the Ducks receiving corp., where he will have an opportunity to fight for a top spot.

If not a start his freshman year, expect him to be in his sophomore year.

5) Anthony Wallace, ILB

4-Star Recruit
Position Rank: 7
Height: 6ft 1in
Weight: 220
High School: Skyline, TX
Scout Grade: 80

Wallace found himself just inside the ESPNU Top 150 ranking at No.147. 

A very athletic player who is known for his quickness off the snap and ability to locate the football, he has a knack for reading the inside run, or rushing off the edge if need be.

Wallace's size would fit well in the Oregon defense, considering they don't typically recruit larger, smash-mouth playing linebackers.

A lot will be asked of Wallace, as Oregon will try to improve upon their No.12 ranked defense, allowing only 18.7 points per game.

Wallace is a perfect fit at Oregon, and once he can get adjusted to the jump from high school to college he will be a good linebacker for the Ducks.

4) Jerrard Randall, QB

4-Star Recruit
Position Rank: 8
Height: 6ft 1in
Weight: 190
High School: Chaminade-Madonna College Prep, FL
Scout Grade: 80

Randall would likely play QB at Oregon, though scouts have said he could easily play at the receiver or defensive back positions.

He has quick feet and an excellent ability to scan the field. His arm is solid, with enough finesse to hit short passes in small, tight areas, as well as drop a ball in the arms of a streaking receiver down the field.

Randall was ranked No.126 by recruits this year.

With great feet and the ability to scramble, Jerrard will be able to fit quickly into an Oregon system that does not need a pocket passing quarterback, opting instead for quick passes and quarterback runs.

Randalls 190lb. frame could prove problematic if he takes many hits. If he can withstand them, he should be a great fit.

He may have to wait a few years, as Oregon QB Darron Thomas will be only a junior.

A few years to work with the offense and get used to the Oregon speed will help Randall out in the long run, though.

3) Andre Yruretagoyena, OT

4-Star Recruit
Position Rank: 7
Height: 6ft 5in
Weight: 260
High School: Chaparral, AZ
Scout Grade: 81

Do not even try with the last name, but Andre is a big body and a perfect size for an offensive tackle.

An Under Armour all-american, Andre was placed by scouts at No.102 overall on the ESPNU Top 150.

Andre is a great run blocker against linebackers and defensive backs, making him a big asset to a rush-heavy Oregon offense.

Scouts have questioned his ability to block off the line, saying he lacks explosiveness. His conditioning will have to improve, as well, considering the pace of the offense.

Andre will not be a star in his first-year, but if coached and trained properly he could become a top linemen in the Pac-10 and help keep the Duck's offense as potent as it has been.

2) Tacoi Sumler, WR

4-Star Recruit
Position Rank: 11
Height: 5ft 8in
Weight: 157
High School: Christopher Columbus, FL
Scout Grade: 81

This all-american high school WR is the No.62 overall player in the country, and he seems to be headed for the Pac-10.

Sumler may be small, but don't underestimate his ability to play WR. His blistering speed is more than enough to burn by any DB. His small stature could also help him get 'lost' in open areas in the secondary, allowing him to find small opening that most big receivers may not be able to squeeze into.

Tacoi will make for a great slot receiver, and will fit in great with the fast paced style that the Oregon Ducks like to move at.

If Oregon allows Sumler to use his speed and break away capabilities, he could wreak havoc in any teams secondary.

Watch out for this receiver in coming years. Once he learns how to use his size and speed at this level he should be a star on an offense that is set up for speed and quickness.

1)Devon Blackmon, Athlete

4-Star Recruit
Position Rank: 2
Height: 6ft
Weight: 180
High School: Summit, CA
Scout Grade: 83

Blackmon is the Duck's top recruit this year, and is fortunate enough to already have him committed.

He is ranked No. 23 overall on the ESPNU top 150, and was also an Under Armour all-american this past year.

Blackmon is a gifted athlete who can play on both sides of the ball. Oregon coaches could use him at QB or WR. They could also place him at DB. Devon is quick and has the ability to change and cut directions quickly and efficiently. It's even possible that he could find himself as a return specialist, making him a big threat on special teams.

If Blackmon can get his weight up to 200lbs., he could be a force to reckoned on both sides of the ball.