Oregon Ducks Football: Regular Season Grades for the Skill Positions

With the 2011 regular season now behind the Oregon Ducks, the clear focus is now on the Rose Bowl.

Oregon will play Wisconsin on January 2nd, and both teams will try avenge a Rose Bowl loss in the last two years.

As the Ducks prepare for their third straight BCS appearance, here is a look back at Oregon's offensive skill positions and how their performance grades this year. 

Darron Thomas

While some Oregon fans were not always thrilled with the job that Darron Thomas did, he actually had a statistically better year in 2011 than he did in 2010. 

Granted, Thomas did throw for less yards, but he matched his 30-touchdown total, and threw six less interceptions in 2011.

Also, in two years as a starter, Thomas is now the school record holder for career touchdown passes.

What became clear during the year is that the knee injury Thomas suffered during the Arizona State game hindered him throughout the year, and left fans wanting to pull their hair out for his lack of rushing attempts.

Grade: A-

LaMichael James

Think about this: During the 2011 season, James missed two straight games and almost another entire game's worth of action, and still rushed for 1646 yards and 17 touchdowns.

If James put forth even an average number of yards in each of the games he missed, he'd be easily over 1800 yards and a serious Heisman contender.

One thing is for sure: James has finished his third season for the Ducks, and has likely played his last game in Autzen Stadium.

James proved to be reliable and consistent throughout the year, and a good performance in the Rose Bowl would validate his college career.

Grade: A

Kenjon Barner

Kenjon Barner has come a long way since the LSU game this year.

In the opener, much like the rest of the team, Barner was held in check, and even had a key fumble that started Oregon's downward spiral. 

As the year progressed and James had off-and-on injury struggles, Barner came through big and showed the Duck fans that even if James leaves after this year, the backfield is in good hands. 

Grade: A-

Josh Huff

It was certainly an interesting year for Josh Huff. After a huge season as a freshman, many expected he would fill in nice for Jeff Maehl.

While that opportunity certainly presented itself, two things plagued him this year.

First, Darron Thomas did not seem to look downfield much this year, which limited Huff's big play ability.

Also, when he did look downfield for Huff, he often had issues with drops.

Grade: C+ 

David Paulson

Besides LaMichael James, David Paulson will be one of the most missed players from this year's graduating class.

Paulson showed great hands and blocking ability at tight end, while offering up some highlight catches. 

While Paulson may not have put up huge numbers, it speaks more to the lack of looks he received. But it still does not overshadow the contributions he made in the run game.

Grade: A+

DeAnthony Thomas

What can be said about the "Black Mamba" that has not already been said?

De'Anthony Thomas was a huge weapon in the run, pass and return game. 

Just a freshman this year, Thomas was amazing after having some key fumbles versus LSU, and could prove to be a game-changer against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl.

Grade: A

Lavasier Tuinei

Lavasier Tuinei was much like the rest of the Oregon receivers, struggling with drops throughout the year.

In games with equal or superior talent, Tuinei often found himself unable to stretch the field and give the Ducks the deep threat they needed.

On the other hand, Tuinei was an outstanding run block receiver who allowed the Ducks' rushing game to make up for their lack of passing attack.

Grade: B-

Bryan Bennett

While Bryan Bennett only saw limited time, he came into the Arizona State game cold, and provided the Ducks with huge plays that secured a win, and then led the Ducks to a dominating road victory.

Granted, there is not much to judge Bennett on.

But his blend of rushing ability and passing ability should have Ducks fans excited for the 2012-13 season. 

Grade: A

Joe Penkala is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the Oregon Ducks. You can contact him @joepenkala