College Football 2011: 10 Surprise Oregon Ducks to Watch

Oregon Ducks football returns for the 2011 college football season trying to defend their back-to-back Pac-10 championships and be the first Pac-12 champion.

Veterans Maehl, Davis, Matthews and Paysinger will be gone, and their respective positions will have major question marks. After losing key contributors on both sides of the ball, Oregon will have many holes to fill.

10. Terrance Mitchell

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 27: Head Coach Mike Bellotti of the Oregon Ducks rallies his players before the start of the game against the Southern California Trojans at Autzen Stadium October 27, 2007 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Fans have been drooling about this redshirt freshman since his pick-six in the 2010 spring game.

After redshirting last season, Mitchell will likely take a second-string role behind returners Cliff Harris and Anthony Gildon. With Oregon's oft-substituting defense, Mitchell will likely see a lot of playing time despite being second-string.

9. Justin Hoffman

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 04: Wide receiver Justin Hoffman #81 and tight end David Paulson #42 of the Oregon Ducks celebrate a touchdown reception by Paulson in front of safety Freddy Young #17 of the New Mexico Lobos in the first quarter of the game at Autz

Eugene native Justin Hoffman enters a depleted group of Oregon receivers.

With Maehl and Davis gone from Oregon’s strong receiving core of last season, Hoffman now has his time to shine. Impressing coaches with his downfield blocking and intensity, watch for Hoffman to earn a starting position next season.

8. Tacoi Sumler

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Oregon Ducks fans cheer as mascot 'Puddles' does push ups in the fourth quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the game 48-29. (Photo by Steve Dyke

This heralded Florida receiver will look to earn time as a freshman.

After running a 4.20 time in the 40, Sumler will be a speedy target for Thomas. Either lined up in the slot or coming out of the backfield, Sumler will be a potent offensive weapon next season.

7. Boseko Lokombo

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 04: Linebacker Boseko Lokombo #25 of the Oregon Ducks gets set at the line of scrimmage in the second quarter of the game against the New Mexico Lobos at Autzen Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 72

After starting for the White Team in the 2010 spring game, Lokombo earned the starting position for the second team.

Lokombo recorded the third-fastest time in the 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.89 seconds. With starters Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger gone to graduation, Lokombo will step in.

6. Ricky Heimuli

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 06: Defensive tackle Ricky Heimuli #90 of the Oregon Ducks stands at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter of the game against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the gam

The position most of concern is DT.

With no solid lead to replace Brandon Bair, the 2011 spring game will help decide the starter next season. The likely choice is big man Ricky Heimuli, who decided to stay in Eugene and bypass a church mission.

5. Brandon Hanna

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CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 4: Brandon Hanna #44 and Talmadge Jackson III #37 of the Oregon Ducks close in on Jacquizz Rodgers #1 of the Oregon State Beavers in the second quarter of the game at Reser Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Corvallis, Oregon. The Duc

This senior out of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, figures to take one of the starting DE positions in 2011.

Hanna recorded two unassisted sacks in reserve time last season, but now, will expect to provide needed pressure on opposing QBs. 

4. Ryan Clanton

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 04: The crowd at Autzen Stadium makes some noise during the game between the Oregon Ducks and the New Mexico Lobos on September 4, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

While most fans have no idea who he is, the coaching staff sure does.

One of Oregon’s biggest concerns for next season is the O-line, and more specifically, the center position. Canton is the likely candidate to anchor the fast-paced offense.

3. Lache Seastrunk

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 26: General view as the capacity crowd gets ready for the start of the game against the California Bears at Autzen Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 42-3. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Many fans were disappointed that Oregon’s first 5-star running back since Jonathan Stewart redshirted.

But with Barner and James heading Oregon’s running tandem last season, Seastrunk was not able to find time. After a year of maturing, watch for Seastrunk to find roles in special teams and Kelly’s taser position.

2. Terrell Turner

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 04: Defensive end Terrell Turner #46 of the Oregon Ducks looks out at the action on the field in the second quarter of the game against the New Mexico Lobos at Autzen Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the g

This may be a surprise to some considering he started all of last season.

But with Oregon losing much of its starting defensive line from 2010, Turner will need to step up and lead the defensive unit. A Pac-12 first team selection is not out of reality for Turner next season. If Turner can overcome the injury bug, watch for a big year.

1. De’Anthony Thomas

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 06: The AFCA National Championship Trophy is displayed on the the field before the game between the Oregon Ducks and the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Undoubtedly the most talked about player of the offseason so far has been heralded athlete De’Anthony Thomas.

The question Duck fans want to know is where to expect the Black Mamba to play. Maybe running back? Maybe corner? One thing for sure is, it will be very interesting to see what happens to Thomas in 2011.