Oregon Ducks Football: Darron Thomas the 2011 Heisman Winner?

Over the last couple of years the University of Oregon has established itself as having one of the premiere football programs in the nation. Appearances in the 2011 National Championship game and the 2010 Rose Bowl are evidence of this development.

Despite losing both games, the Ducks have won a large number of supporters through their offensive playing style. Oregon has become the poster child of college football when it comes to having a fast-paced and finesse style of offense.

Head Coach Chip Kelly, with the help of his predecessor Mike Bellotti, was able to recruit players that fit this type of football.

Players like 5’9” running back LaMichael James had been told they are too short, too weak and too slow to play for a major BCS school and thereby ended up in Eugene, Ore. Now they are in the media spot light and in the case of James, even Heisman candidates.

However, the true MVP of the 2010 season was not James, but quarterback Darron Thomas. In his first season as the Ducks’ starting QB Thomas completed 61.5 percent of his passes for a total of 2881 yards.

He threw for 30 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. In addition to his passing, 21-year-old Thomas was also able to run for 486 yards and five touchdowns.

This dual threat of passing and rushing makes it hard for any defense to control Thomas. His statistics in 2010 were top-notch and people who saw him play know that there is more to come.

At 6’3” and 215 pounds, he is a tremendous athlete who gives Oregon a legitimate chance of repeating the 2010 season, maybe with even a better ending.

Will he succeed at the next level, who knows? All we know is that Thomas is an outstanding college quarterback, who fits the Ducks’ style of play and could become the schools first ever Heisman winner.

Thomas could lay the foundation for an unforgettable season on September 3, when his No.3 Oregon Ducks open the 2011 season against No. 4 LSU Tigers at Cowboys Stadium.