Ducks putting pieces in place

Defense could lead way as many offensive spots still up for grabs

By jason vondersmith

The Portland Tribune, Apr 25, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (4 Reader comments)

BELLOTTI

EUGENE — Quarterback efficiency and consistent wide receiver play will be imperative, but Oregon coach Mike Bellotti likes the look of the Ducks’ spread offense, which led the Pac-10 in yardage (467.5) and scoring (38.2) last season.

“We have some elements to be a very good football team,” Bellotti says as the Ducks go into their spring game (2 p.m. Saturday, Autzen Stadium).

If things fall into place, Bellotti says, “it’ll be difficult for people” to prepare for Oregon.

The offense’s only clunker last year came at UCLA, a 16-0 loss, as the Ducks worked through replacement quarterbacks after Dennis Dixon’s injury.

Defense could carry the 2008 Ducks, with the lack of experienced depth, primarily on the defensive line, being the only concern for Bellotti.

“I really like this group,” he says. “It works well together — the front line combination of talent, energy, camaraderie and chemistry. Our backups are very raw, and that scares me. But I think our top 13 to 15 kids are really good.”

Here’s a look at each position:

Quarterback: Nate Costa, rehabilitating his knee and limited in spring drills, hasn’t had any setbacks. He will enter August training camp as the No. 1 guy. “His movement is great,” Bellotti says. Bellotti wants to see Costa establish leadership in the offseason.

Justin Roper has been inconsistent, and “I don’t think he has built as much on the foundation of his performance in the Civil War and Sun Bowl,” the coach says, recalling Roper’s 30-for-55 passing for 324 yards and six TDs. But Roper has proved himself in games.

Their fellow sophomore, Cody Kempt, from Westview High, “has to improve significantly to be a factor (in camp),” Bellotti says.

Surprisingly, Bellotti says that 6-2, 230-pound true freshman Chris Harper could contend to be the No. 3 QB, along with Kempt, walk-on Cade Cooper and true freshman Darron Thomas.

Running back: Coaches have been impressed with Andre Crenshaw and Remene Alston and junior college transfer LeGarrette Blount. Bellotti says that with those three and Jeremiah Johnson, “we’ll have a quality group.”

Bellotti also is excited to see what incoming Texas freshman LaMichael James, a Johnson-type back at 5-9 and 180 pounds, can do.

Wide receiver: Senior Jaison Williams has been working on catching the ball; Bellotti says he has improved.

Beyond the 6-5, 240-pound Williams, who has 143 catches, 1,828 yards and 14 TDs the past two years, “there are a lot of unproven guys, and it’s still a question mark until we show we can perform in a game,” Bellotti says.

Full-time at receiver, Jeffrey Maehl, much like Roper, has been inconsistent. Speedster and transfer Jamere Holland shows flashes. Aaron Pflugrad has been steady. Drew Davis needs to improve. Terence Scott could be a bigger factor. Rory Cavaille has been mostly hurt. They combined for 33 catches last season.

Some receivers will arrive at camp, with Bellotti expecting junior college transfer Ellis Krout and prep Blake Cantu to come north from Texas to contend for playing time.

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