With this week’s announcement that sophomore quarterback Nate Costa will be out for the season after surgery to repair a torn meniscus and ACL, Oregon will turn to Sun Bowl phenomenon Justin Roper in its season opener against rival Washington – and for the immediate future.
“In the Civil War game he responded and in the bowl game he was outstanding,” Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti said of Roper’s performance when thrust into the job last season. “We felt we had two very, very good quarterbacks and it was a close race (for the starting job) … Justin Roper is a great quarterback, he’s proved that. He actually most likely out-performed Nate in the scrimmage we had two weeks ago, so I’m very excited about that.”
But how long Roper remains the starter is still in question. Bellotti said earlier this week the position is still somewhat of an open competition between Roper and sophomore transfer Jeremiah Masoli, with playing time for true freshman Chris Harper a possibility as well.
“I really think he will push Justin Roper and that will be a new battle between those two,” Bellotti said of Masoli as the backup.
Bellotti also hinted at the possibility of a rotation at the position like the Ducks have used in seasons past. “Jeremiah I think will probably play this week. We’ll try to find some areas to get him in the game,” he said. “He’s an exceptional passer, has the quickest release and a very strong arm.”
Harper is less likely to see the field Saturday, but the possibility has not been ruled out.
“Whether he plays or not, right now I don’t know, I’m not sure. We’ll see how the game goes,” Bellotti said. “We may want to get him into the football game.”
Captains named, Todd Doxey tribute revealed
For the second consecutive year and the second time ever under coach Mike Bellotti, the Oregon football team has selected full-season captains during fall camp. Senior rover Patrick Chung and senior center Max Unger will repeat as captains from last season and are joined by senior defensive end Nick Reed and senior running back Jeremiah Johnson.
“Those guys are all very good workers, good leaders, and they care about their teammates,” Bellotti said of the four.
Chung will wear No. 29 in the season opener as part of a tribute to Todd Doxey, the Oregon defensive back who died in a swimming accident on the McKenzie River in Eugene-Springfield on July 13. Each week a different Oregon player will wear the number, and every Duck will wear a helmet sticker adorned with Doxey’s jersey number and initials.
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