In the ever-changing world of college football, Oregon has adopted the mantra “next man up.” That means the Ducks prepare each athlete as if they are playing that week, so if given the opportunity, the athlete in question is ready to go. With that being said, Oregon rarely sees a decrease in talent from year to year because of the experience each athlete gets.
After winning the Fiesta Bowl last year over Kansas State, Oregon is looking to replace three starters and a number of backups. Most notably, the Ducks lose running back Kenjon Barner and offensive line members Kyle Long, Ryan Clanton and backup Nick Cody.
Quarterback: The Ducks return Heisman candidate Marcus Mariota, the reigning first team all-Pac 12 quarterback. Serving as his backup is redshirt freshmen Jake Rodrigues and Jeff Lockie. The two are battling it out throughout fall camp to see who will get the nod.
Quarterback Depth Chart: Marcus Mariota, redshirt sophomore — Jake Rodrigues, redshirt freshman — Jeff Lockie, redshirt freshman
Running Back: Losing a player like Barner and his 1,767 yards and 21 touchdowns would hurt most teams, including the Ducks. Just like their mantra, junior De’Anthony Thomas and sophomore Byron Marshall will be the first players to get the opportunity to take over. Coaches are hoping Marshall can become that dominant running back so Thomas can stay in his super-dangerous hybrid role. Watch out for incoming freshman Thomas Tyner as the 5-foot-11-inch, 201-pound running back with world-class speed who can make a run for it.
“Right now Marshall looks good — he’s been here for a year so he understands how the offense works,” Thomas said. “Tyner is still getting to know the playbook and how we do things.”
Running Back Depth Chart: De’Anthony Thomas, junior — Byron Marshall, sophomore — Thomas Tyner, freshman
Wide Receiver: Another position Oregon doesn’t have to worry about is the depth at wide receiver. Led by senior Josh Huff and sophomore Bralon Addison, Oregon is loaded with talent. Huff is looking to raise his game to another level after suffering through injuries the previous two years. Addison is the most-improved player in camp according to Mariota and should get a lot of action this year.
“He (Addison) runs crisp routes and does a good job of going up in the air to catch the ball and come down with it,” Oregon senior safety Brian Jackson said.
Wide Receiver Depth Chart:
No. 1: Josh Huff, senior – Eric Dungy, junior
No. 2: Keanon Lowe, junior – B.J. Kelley, redshirt sophomore
No. 3: Bralon Addison, sophomore – Daryle Hawkins, senior
Tight End: Oregon appears in good shape with junior Colt Lyerla (6-foot-5-inch, 246) leading the way. The depth behind Lyerla is deep but unproven and it starts with redshirt freshman Evan Baylis and sophomores Koa Ka’ai and Pharaoh Brown.
Tight End Depth Chart: Colt Lyerla, junior — redshirt freshman Evan Baylis — Pharaoh Brown, sophomore — Koa Ka’ai, redshirt sophomore
Offensive Line: Losing big men Kyle Long (1st round draft pick, Chicago Bears) and Ryan Clanton has the potential to hurt the Ducks, but it’s unlikely that will happen. Replacing the two starting guards are probably going to be senior Mana Greig and junior Everett Benyard. With the return of All-American center Hroniss Grasu and tackles Tyler Johnstone and Jake Fisher, Oregon’s line looks to be in solid shape.
Offensive Line Depth Chart:
Center: Hroniss Grasu, junior – Karrington Armstrong, senior
Left Guard: Mana Greig, senior – Hamani Stevens, junior
Right Guard: Everett Benyard, senior – Hamani Stevens, junior
Left Tackle: Tyler Johnstone, redshirt sophomore – Andre Yruretagoyena, redshirt sophomore
Right Tackle: Jake Fisher, junior – Jamal Prater, redshirt sophomore