Oregon's rotations won't be as deep next fall, particularly for the opener.
A lot can change between now and then, but patterns are emerging in practice. Here's an early guess at the players who will see the field against LSU on September 3rd, starting with the defense, starters in bold:
Defensive ends: Terrell Turner, Brandon Hanna, Dion Jordan
Defensive tackles: Ricky Heimuli, Taylor Hart, Wade Keliipiki, Jared Ebert
Linebackers: Kiko Alonso, Josh Kaddu, Michael Clay, Bo Lokombo, Dewitt Stuckey, Anthony Wallace
Secondary: Cliff Harris, Anthony Gildon, John Boyett, Eddie Pleasant, Brian Jackson, Terrance Mitchell, Scott Grady, Troy Hill, Erick Dargan
Special Teams: Lokombo, Grady, Dargan, Stuckey, Malone, Wallace, Hill, Lyerla, Tyson Coleman, and others TBD
On offense, there are more than 11 "starters" due to multiple formations, sometimes two tight ends, other times four wides, other times two and three running backs in the formation, and the use of the TAZR, a running back split out wide or at slot, often motioned elsewhere into the play at the snap:
Quarterback: Darron Thomas (Bryan Bennett in relief and mop-up situations only; will get quarters of play in decided games)
Tailback: LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner, Lache Seastrunk
TAZR: Kenjon Barner, Lache Seastrunk, (De'Anthony Thomas?)
Tight End/H-Back: David Paulson, Brandon Williams, Colt Lyerla, Curtis White
Offensive Line: Darrion Weems, Mark Asper, Carson York, Karrington Armstrong, Nick Cody, Ramsen Golpashin, Ryan Clanton, Hroniss Grasu.
One or two other linemen may make the rotation, but they'll have to earn that slot with some steady play during the rest of spring and fall camp. Possibilities are Everett Benyard, Mana Greig, or one or two of the incoming freshmen. In particular, Jake Fisher and Andre Yruretagoyena have incredible talent, but ideally need a redshirt season to grow and develop. Fisher is the most likely to simply be too good to be denied an early spot in the two-deep, but that would be a rare leap forward. He was listed at 270 in the recruiting class announcements, and couldn't play at much less than 285. Jamal Prater is the biggest of the newcomers presently, listed at 290.
Wide Receiver: Josh Huff, Lavasier Tuinei, Justin Hoffman, Devon Blackmon, Rahsaan Vaughn, Eric Dungy.
Slash: Darryle Hawkins. Depending on depth, injuries, and game situations, Hawkins could see the field at wide receiver, slot or tailback, or in an emergency at quarterback. He won't start, but he'll see the field, get some significant touches, and make a contribution. Rob Moseley calls him the most valuable practice player on team, and Hawkins intelligence, athletic ability and hard work are certain to be rewarded.
Kicker: Rob Beard
Punter: Jackson Rice
Long Snapper: Drew Howell
Returners: Punts, Cliff Harris, Kenjon Barner
Kickoffs: (this is a tough one, a lot of candidates) Josh Huff, and pick 'em between Harris, Barner, Mathis, DAT, Seastrunk, Blackmon
Likely to Redshirt: Tra Carson, RB Rahim Cassell, LB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB James Euscher, OL Jake Fisher, OL/ Christian French, TE Carlyle Garrick, LB Rodney Hardrick, LB Tyler Johnstone, OL Lake Koa-Ka’ai, DL Sam Kamp, DL/ B.J. Kelley Marcus Mariota, QB Jamal Prater, OL Tacoi Sumler, WR Andre Yruretagoyena, OL
Most likely to surprise and crack the rotation: Fisher, Andre Y, Kelley. Christian French should wind up at defensive end/drop end, due to a log jam at tight end; he has awesome speed and athletic ability, but has only played football a couple of years.
Ever since signing day the freshman who I thought were most likely to play this year were the obvious Colt Lyerla, and Anthony Wallace, after those two I feel that Rodney Hardick could crack the LB rotation, especially if somebody goes down with an injury.
ReplyDeleteI feel like with the addition of Rashaan Vaughn and the current stable of WR's all of the incoming freshman (Sumler, Kelly, Blackmon) will be redshirted to learn the offense and work on their intangibles.
All the incoming freshman on both lines should be redshirted.
Christian French has an outside shot to make the field if he can soak up the playbook quickly when he arrives this summer, but I think with Colt and Curtis already behind the two seniors at TE French will be redshirted.
One other freshman who I think has an outside shot at cracking the rotation is Ifo Ekpre-Olomu but again I wouldn't count on it without injury. Its just his highlight reminds me of Cliff so much that he could be to good to keep off the field.
Grant,
ReplyDeleteThis is a really good breakdown. You've studied the recruiting class really well. I agree with you about Hardrick--on the highlight clip he shows a good motor, desire and speed. I think the Ducks stole him, as he made a huge leap in his senior year and was overlooked by a lot of people. At 6-1 225 he has the size to play now; of course it depends on how quickly he acclimates.
It's always preferable for linemen to redshirt; my thinking was need or desire might propel one or two them forward early. With Rowland giving up football Steve Greatwood doesn't have the depth he's had previously, and he likes to play a rotation of nine or ten guys and mix and match.
I hope French or Lyerla (one of the two) chooses to move to d-line. The speed and frame of either would be awesome in the drop end role with a little seasoning.
Ek-O has awesome talent. Ducks are loaded in the secondary, but he has a VERY bright future.
Great to have you weigh in. Thanks for visiting.
Dale