The main topic of conversation surrounding the Oregon football team this week has been the injuries to wide receiver Cameron Colvin and running back Jeremiah Johnson, and how the team plans to replace the offensive production of these players.
The Oregon depth chart lists freshman Aaron Pflugrad and sophomore Derrick Jones as Colvin’s replacements, and with no definite word from the coaching staff it can be assumed that they will share the role and freshman Drew Davis is another young receiver who could see increased playing time. Junior college transfer wide receiver Terence Scott may forfeit his redshirt year if his contributions become necessary. Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said Scott will be in uniform and available Saturday.
Nothing has been finalized as far as who will replace Johnson at running back either, but sophomore Andre Crenshaw has a slight edge over freshman Remene Alston, Jr. based on his experience in the offense. Freshman Eddie Pleasant has been switched from linebacker to running back (where he played in high school) and may forfeit his redshirt if he is needed in the backfield.
Bellotti points to the Ducks’ increased recruiting success as a factor in effectively replacing the injured starters.
“You know, 10 or 15 years ago those would have been catastrophic injuries,” he said. “I think now we have enough depth and enough confidence in the people around and enough flexibility within the offense certainly to make up for that.”
Still, Bellotti had to admit that the injuries will have some impact on the effectiveness of the offense.
“Are we as good a football team? No. Because those guys were great football players,” he said.
One possibility that the caoch has eluded to as an option for replacing Johnson’s production is having receivers and tight ends carry the ball. Bellotti said that all of the receivers, as well as tight ends Ed Dickson and Malachi Lewis, are “very capable of running the ball.”
“To recognize what Jeremiah brought to the table, there will probably be a combination of running backs and wide receivers doing the things that he did,” said Bellotti. “Because he was sort of a hybrid player and in that regard he gave us alot of flexibility.”
Oregon’s defense hopes to build on their performance against Washington State, and consequently take some of the pressure off of the somewhat depleted offense.
“It’s an opportunity for the defense to show what we can do, step up, and maybe help out the offense,” said junior defensive end Nick Reed.
The main task for the defense will be containing Washington freshman quarterback Jake Locker, the Huskies’ leading rusher.
“He doesn’t run to get down, he runs for first downs and touchdowns,” said Bellotti. “It’s pretty impressive.”