| Oregon Ducks look to improve with spread attack in 2007 |
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Thursday, 02 August 2007
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The Oregon Ducks are going to a new spread attack conceived when coach Mike Belotti brought in first year offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Kelly should enhance what was already an explosive and talent laden offensive squad. Returning to take charge is dual threat Quarterback Dennis Dixon. The spread should maximize Dixon’s potential, taking advantage of his pass/throw capabilities. RB Jonathan Stewart will also be more effective in the new system along with Jeremiah Johnson. With both runners also capable receivers, Dixon should be able to work the spread to perfection. On the offensive line, returning All-Pac-10 Left Tackle Max Unger and Right Tackle Geoff Schwartz will be solid anchors in the trenches. If there is a question mark with the offensive line it’s with the depth or lack thereof. The Tight End position appears to be solid with the return of Ed Dickson, expected to see a breakout year in 2007. Ryan Keeling will provide the great blocking needed from the end position. Senior wide outs Brian Paysinger and Garren Strong highlight a deep and talented group along with junior Jaison Williams who is one of the fastest members on the team. If there was an achilles heel with the 2006 Ducks it was the defense with the issues. While the offense was always capable of putting up points the defense managed to give them up about as quickly. Defensive Coordinator Nick Aliotti is tasked with stopping the bleeding and from a thinner group. Tackles Dave Faaeteete and Sonny Harris did not participate in spring drills but figure to be leading the DL that will also see Nick Reed clogging the middle. Unfortunately the Ducks , already short on DL depth will not be able to count on Senior DE Dexter Manley II who has decided to transfer. Brandon Bair should step up if he produces like he did in the spring. Linebacker will be short on experience with A.J. Tuitele the only returning player. John Bacon who filled in as a solid backup last year will step into a starting role in the fall. The secondary is where Oregon will show its defensive strength returning three all-conference defenders with sophomore CB’s Jarius Byrd and Walter Thurmond along with junior rover Patrick Chung Jr. Kwame Agyeman also returns and should do a solid job at Strong Safety. The Ducks have some unsettled special teams issues to be filled after Fall camp opens. Expect transfer Josh Syria to handle the punting chores. Who will handle the place kicking duties is an open question. Matt Evensen came out of Spring Drills as the top guy but expect freshman Daniel Padilla to get a chance to win the job.                        |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 02 August 2007 ) | |||||||
