Young Ducklings: Sizing Up Oregon's Recruiting Class

The Oregon Ducks had a roller coaster season in 2007.

They were ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation, before their Heisman-hopeful QB Dennis Dixon was lost for the season with a knee injury.

The Ducks then went in a tailspin, in which they lost three straight games (including one at home to arch rival Oregon State).

Oregon managed to gain momentum, however, from their Sun Bowl blowout of South Florida and landing a solid recruiting class.

Their class is ranked 20th in the nation and third in the Pac-10 by Rivals.com, and provides hope that Mike Belotti’s team can reload for a strong run in ’08.

Following Derrick Jones’ recent arrest for marijuana possession, Oregon was left dangerously thin at wide receiver, where three fifth year seniors were lost to graduation. Unless Jones manages to clean up his act and get back on the field next season, only three Ducks wideouts will return with significant game experience: unpredictable senior Jaison Williams, sophomore Aaron Pflugrad, and converted safety Jeffrey Maehl.

Last year’s commitments Drew Davis and Terrence Scott will likely have first shot at playing time, but 07’s Malachi Lewis (who signed as an athlete) and 08 pickup Blake Cantu (three star rating by Rivals) could make a push with strong off seasons.

The situation in the offensive backfield is even more complicated for the Ducks. Their one time QB heir-apparent Nathan Costa was going to have to try to oust Sun Bowl MVP Justin Roper, but the Ducks decided to hedge their bets with two four star prospects who could compete for time at the quarterback spot.

Athlete Chris Harper from Kansas has a sub 4.5 forty time that could make him tempting to use as a mobile signal caller, while Texan Darron Thomas shares Dennis Dixon’s physical and playing profile. While it is most likely that either Roper or Costa will start against Washington to open next season, if both struggle, either Harper or Thomas could see time, and will provide Oregon with depth and a strong future at the QB position.

Replacing RB Jonathon Stewart will be impossible, but JUCO transfer LaGarrette Blount will try to give the Ducks a punishing inside presence. Texarkana’s LaMichael Jones is a young speedster who will probably redshirt behind Jeremiah Johnson (if he improves his grades) and Andre Crenshaw.

Oregon loses two senior offensive linemen to graduation, but brings in four star prospects Hamani Stevens and Nick Cody to provide depth behind returning backups who will step in to replace Josh Tschirgi and Geoff Schwartz.

On the defensive side, the Ducks were thin at defensive tackle and linebacker last year. Four star tackle Justin Thompson joins Myles Wade from the 07 class as players who will try to keep the center secure, and several three star linebackers will provide depth behind returnees who stepped in for injured players last season. Several three star DB’s build further depth at Oregon’s strongest defensive area.

While the 08 class is a strong one, except for the receivers and running backs most will probably not take the field for Oregon immediately. But combined with last year's recruiting class that was ranked 11th nationally, these newcomers give confidence to Oregon fans that their team can remain competitive in the Pac-10 for years to come.