2002 Statistics

written by Tim Chapman

Oregon enters the 2003 campaign with two very capable quarterbacks. Senior QB Jason Fife started every game last season but could see himself behind exciting soph Kellen Clemens talent-wise. Clemens has an extremely strong arm and quick feet. He also brings a positive air of arrogance that can be positively contagious. Lets not forget about Fife though. Aside from experience, he also threw for 2752 yds and 24 TDs against only 10 INTs. The thing that sets Fife apart from Clemens is his better decision-making ability. Clemens has better tools and is a better fit for this offense, so once he improves his ability to read a defense, the spot will be his … that is, unless Fife floors. Bet on seeing Clemens as the starter by mid-season.

Samie Parker (49 rec, 724 yds, 8 TDs) makes Eugene very happy by announcing his return for his senior season. Parker is a clutch receiver (strong YAC) and has the ability to stretch a defense, which will help both QBs find the underneath routes open often. He will be a marked man, but he'll certainly play an important role (often as decoy) in making the entire offensive engine work better as a whole, regardless of his numbers.

Senior FB Matt Floberg (6-3, 247) really brings the lumber to linebackers who shoot the run gaps. His unusual height and decent hands makes him an ideal target to either be open or, at least, occupy an opposing LB as a decoy. The Ducks need to include Matt more -- no matter what, he is a bankable asset around which the running game can be built.

The loss of Onterrio Smith leaves a big question mark in the backfield. Terrence Whitehead was the second leading rusher and had 869 fewer yards than Smith, but a respectably promising 4.4 yd/rush. Whitehead is a sophomore and has a lot of room to grow (he showed a flash of things to come with a 37 yd TD run against UCLA). But can his 5-10, 200 lb frame handle 20 or more carries/game? He's talented, but he can't carry the load just yet. And the lack of depth in the backfield poses a problem.

The offensive line brings back a big, quick group that consists of four returning starters. Seniors OG Joey Forster and C Dan Weaver are the bell-cows up front. They did see their problems, however. The Ducks weren't as protective as they should have been in allowing 28 sacks-- that's about four/game. They do have experience, and that will be a big help. With Clemens at the helm, they are really going to need to give him time to see the defense. Blocking for the running game will be a big challenge.

Oregon uses TEs to their full potential. They may end up moving senior Josh Rogers (has played both ways in Div I-A) to TE fulltime to take advantage of his great blocking skills (and speed, team's fastest TE w/4.9-40). He will need to be able to catch the ball more than he has so far. If he doesn't fit the mold, sophomores Tim Day and Nate LiaBraaten are definitely ready, but inexperienced.

The Ducks do have Parker, but after him, there is room for anyone to step up. This is a weakness until receivers emerge. Look for soph WR Demetrius Williams. Junior WR Keith Allen and senior WR Gary Daniels to play into the mix. But the three only had 9 catches for 139 yds combined, so obviously the coaching staff will throw in another freshman, as well. Somebody needs to step up… We will keep you posted.

C Dan Weaver (PHOTO BY John Giustina)

written by Tim Chapman

The defensive line loses three starters, yet they have the best front four in the Pac-10, maybe behind only Oregon State and USC. The lone returning starter is junior DT Igor Olshansky. Igor is a stud- no questions (70 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks). His quickness, strength and agility give the Ducks much around which to build. He will draw attention inside. Soph DT Haloti Ngata brings speed (5 QB Hurries). He does a great job of getting to opposing QBs and forcing them to the inside (where Olshansky and senior DT Junior Siavaii clean up). However, DE Roderkus Wright is no longer on the team. He transferred to I-AA Portland State and was to be counted on heavily for taking some of the pressure off his cohorts.

The defensive secondary stays intact with a fast group of DBs who can really hit. Seniors CB Steven Moore (5 INTs, 15 pass break-ups) and FS Keith Lewis (80 tackles, 5 INTs) have solid experience. So does sophomore Aaron Gibson, as he did well (51 tackles, 5 TFL) in his baptism-by-fire. With those experiences upon which to build, he will now adjust better to the long-ball and undoubtedly continue to improve. Sophomore Marques Binns will be called upon in nickel situations, and if he bulks up, he might even move to a Rover position. This is a young but deep group that will have to handle aggressive man-to-man schemes when needed, and the Ducks need this ability often.

Senior MLB Kevin Mitchell (114 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 6 sacks) has seemingly been here forever. His three outstanding seasons bode well for this last campaign as he flies to the ball with a vengeance. Because the front four are a force, and Mitchell plays like a man possessed, he will earn possible All-American status at the conclusion of this season for the Ducks.

Even though the secondary returns three starters, this was a unit that finished 115th in pass defense - horrible!!! The DBs were allowing receivers to get behind them. In the Pac-10, receivers are too fast, so something has to change. But beyond Lewis and Moore, this is a young group. They won't be as bad, but how much the secondary improves will be a benchmark for the entire defense's 2003 success.

Mitchell stands naked in the middle with nobody outside of him. After losing both OLBs, they will look to junior walk-on Jerry Matson and senior David Martin. Both are proper replacements and can play well in pass coverage. The key to watch will be how well they cover speedy backs Tyler Ebell, Stephen Jackson, and Cornell Canidate out of the backfield. The verdict early is that they will need support from their DBs. This unit's play will also go a long way to measuring any defensive success.

LB Kevin Mitchell (PHOTO BY John Giustina)