This time of year creates transitions and adjustments. The Ducks got a minor shock today when it was announced Javes Lewis has declared for the NFL draft. Rob Moseley reported it first, noting Lewis started 12 games in 2009, and isn't likely to be drafted. He wasn't slated to start this season, but as an experienced senior his absence will be felt a little.
Marvin Johnson, Brian Jackson, Marcus Davis and Eric Dargan will compete to replace him. All four have a lot of promise, and the Ducks are utterly loaded with speed and athletic ability in the secondary. Opposite Cliff Harris next season defensive backfield coach John Neal could send out Anthony Gildon, or talented redshirt freshmen Dior Mathis, Terrance Mitchell, James Scales or Troy Hill, or special team standout Scott Grady, or Avery Patterson. It's a deep group, and I even left out a few names. Lewis was a good tackler and steady, but on the plus side, this frees up another scholarship, and motivates this talented bunch to vie for his snaps.
On the offensive side of the ball, there have been rumblings and grumblings to suggest that speedster Lache Seastrunk is frustrated at sitting out for his redshirt season, misses the limelight, and is contemplating a transfer. Many have referenced an interview with an Alabama reporter he did during the buildup to the national championship, the reporter asking him several leading questions about regretting his decision to choose Oregon over Auburn during his recruitment.
The rumors don't have legs, I'm thinking. Seastrunk has used his redshirt season, and would sit out a year if he transferred. At Auburn he'd be behind Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb, and the Tigers are losing 20 seniors and four offensive linemen. The future's a lot brighter in Oregon if he stays, and if he keeps working and avoids the temptation to sulk, his innovative head coach will find ways to feature his talents.
One of the challenges of success and recruiting better and better athletes is that it becomes more and more difficult to find touches for everyone. The Ducks have a core of high-character guys who care more about winning than individual glory, and they dictate the identity and attitude of the team. LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner, Darron Thomas and Josh Huff aren't the kind of players who run to the stat sheet in the locker room. They measure themselves in wins. I'm confident Seastrunk will come around. He's a sensitive young man, and proud, but he's not a prima donna. Traveling 1600 miles away from home to college is a big adjustment, and Gary Campbell has famously guided some great Oregon runners through a similar trial.
I'm hoping that Lache Seastrunk settles in and realizes how good it is to be an Oregon Duck. I also think he's probably looking at the depth chart and seeing LMJ and Kenyon ahead of him and wonder about his touches next season. (Huff will most likely move to the slot or outside I think.) But you're right, a transfer would have him sitting for 2 years (this year and next) so I hope he doesn't do something that stupid. I think the Ducks need to learn what it's like to have a stable of talent. Depth is what will keep them in the BCS elite and their will be issues with playing time. But USC and many other schools (especially in the SEC) have had that problem forever and have learned to cope. The expectations of playing time need to be tempered a little until the former high school stars prove they can play at the NCAA level.
ReplyDeletegd58--
ReplyDeleteAgree about Seastrunk. He'll get plenty of opportunities if he sticks it out.
Dale
To make room for Seastrunk I wouldn't be surprised to see Barner moved to WR or a slot back.
ReplyDelete