2003 Statistics

Running Back
Terrence Whitehead is a speedy tailback who struggled to a 3.5 yards per carry average for '03, which was the team's number, too. Similar to quarterback, the team used a running game by committee early in the season, splitting carries between Whitehead, Ryan Shaw, Chris Vincent and Kenny Washington. As a result, whoever wins the starting job will have lots of depth, but will also have to become the 1,000 yard rusher the Ducks have been missing - this committee stuff won't work again. Vincent possesses some of the talents of former Duck Onterrio Smith and could get a shot to move up the depth charts this spring. All the backs are commonly used in the passing game as well. Fullback Dante Rosario, an athletic marvel, is generally used as a blocker, but coaches are looking at ways to use his athleticism and hands more in the passing game.

Wide Receiver
Replacing Sammie Parker will take a group effort from the Ducks' seemingly endless line of speed-burners at receiver. Leading the way will be one of college football's most explosive runners in junior Demetrius Williams. Now the main man, Williams should have an all-conference season. After him, the drop in productivity is overshadowed by the wealth of talent starting with five-star recruit, Cameron Colvin. Colvin gives the team a big target and should make an immediate impact. Kellen Taylor and Marcus Maxwell bring needed depth and experience, while sophomore Kyle Weatherspoon is creating buzz with his game breaking abilities. With the efficient style of offense that this team runs, the key to winning the coaches over will be who runs the best routes and is fastest to learn the complex passing system. Bet on the incumbents to start.

Tight End
Tim Day earned the starting nod and finished with a flurry by catching almost half of his 20 receptions during the season's final three games, all Duck wins. The tight end is a key weapon in the Oregon passing game and Day, a huge physical target at 267 pounds, is poised to have an All-American season.

Offensive Line
Four starters return from an offensive line that under-performed a year ago by allowing 35 sacks and paving the way for only 3.5 yards per carry. The talent is there, as evidenced in a dominant blocking performance against Michigan early in '03, and that is expected to lead to major levels of improvement for 2004. The only question mark will be at center where Josh Hagemeyer looks to start anew. Robin Knebel and Adam Snyder provide massive bookend tackles, while Nick Steitz and Ian Reynoso shore up the inside. The size and athletes are in place, but the pension last year was to wear down late in games and this will need to be addressed via improved off-season training regiments. A lot is demanded of this unit to execute the dynamic offensive game plan, but this crew will wear its scars as the stripes of experience that will ultimately prove successful.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Oregon coach Mike Bellotti made a decision last year on the offensive side of the ball to choose roster stability over chaos. With the returning talent in this offensive group, this choice will pay off. To move to the next level will depend upon just how much the running game improves upon last year's meager yards per carry average. The Ducks execute one of college football's more complex offenses. Mainly from the I-formation, the game plan calls for multiple player shifts and motion, complex run-blocking schemes and a tremendously intricate play-action passing game. The Ducks run the ball a bit less (but about the same amount) as they pass, which means probably over 400 pass attempts again. Because of this, experience is mandatory at quarterback, and, in Clemons, the team will have the right player in charge.

Linebacker
The departure of Kevin Mitchell in the middle makes linebacker a question mark position. The coaches will depend on major improvements from returning starter, Jerry Matson, to lead the way. Matson possesses adequate speed but is poor at pass coverage and reading the plays. The Ducks traditionally implore three smaller, faster linebackers, designed to effectively combat the pass-first tendencies of Pac-ten opponents with an ability to bring the blitz that much faster. But the unit struggled early and often, being exploited as the year progressed after the defensive front began to get worn down and banged up. There are some talented players in Anthony Trucks and Reggie Kearney, but overall improvement looks to be a season away.

Defensive Back
Pass defense has been a weakness the past two seasons, ranking 46th in '03. Corner Justin Phinisee is solid in coverage and tackling in the open field, but does not have the speed to handle receivers down field one-on-one. Duck coaches put a lot of pressure on their back-four in coverage as the front-seven attacks, leaving corners in isolated instances. Unfortunately, the abilities of the personnel do not match the needs, as this group is more effective being physical than on the run. The safeties will have to play an improved supporting role and this will be in the hands of senior rover, Marley Tucker, and J.D. Nelson. Nelson is a solid hitter with the abilities to support the run while Tucker brings a mean-spirited aggressiveness and attitude to the game. Both will need to improve their pass support help and this could effectively lie in the hands of the coaches changing the game plan. But experience here will also pay off by campaign's end.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Having one of college football's worst pass defenses does not bode well for Oregon in a conference that is pass-happy. Inconsistencies all season plagued the team, as in their eight wins they allowed an average of 18 points, while in their five losses they allowed 41 points per tilt. The front-four will carry the play as the pass defense will remain a weakness, just not to the proportions of the past. Running more conservative defensive schemes such as cover-twos, soft zones, as well as employing less blitzing, was seen late in the season last year and should remain for this year as well. Last year was the first for a new secondary coach and so the jury is still out on how flexible the coaches will be in adapting to some personnel realities.