Oregon football is back — sort of.
Duck fans will get a tease of the Willie Taggart era on Saturday for his first spring game. After a terrible 4-8 season, the spring game will allow players and fans the ability to move on, and ultimately, get excited again.
Refrain from judging the team because a spring game is a glorified scrimmage. And, if offensive lineman dominate, are they good, or is the defensive line bad? It can be difficult to answer.
However, individuals can be judged by their play, especially quarterbacks. So here are some players to keep your eye on during the spring game.
Darren Carrington II, Sr, WR.
If the 2015 version of Carrington shows up in the spring game, then Oregon will have one of the best wide receivers in the country. If he plays like he did last season, he will not be the best wide receiver on the team. Carrington was benched last season due to lack of effort, so if he can turn his attitude around, he will be a big threat to defenses. The wide receiver depth is thin, so the Ducks need him to play well.
Thomas Graham Jr., Fr, CB.
Players are raving about the skills of the freshman. He was the sixth-ranked cornerback in the country coming out of high school, according to ESPN, and it is looking like he will be Oregon’s third cornerback. Graham is challenging veterans Arrion Springs, Ugochukwu Amadi and Tyree Robinson. Considering he may be taking one of their spots on the depth chart, that means the secondary will be strong this season.
Fotu Leiato, Jr, LB/S.
Leiato will find his way on the field because of his versatility. He is too small to play linebacker, but he is a physical player. Defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt states he is a good player to fit in a hybrid safety/linebacker position. Oregon had the worst defense in the Pac-12 last season, so the emergence of a unique player like Leiato is a welcome change. Additionally, nobody should have any trouble spotting him. Look for the player will the massive head of hair flowing out of his helmet.
Henry Mondeaux, Sr, DL.
Mondeaux was expected to be Oregon’s leader on the defense last season. He was the one steady player on what was a rotating cast of characters along the defensive line, but he still wasn’t good. With Leavitt as the defensive coordinator, the Ducks are back to a 3-4 scheme. Mondeaux fits better in the 3-4, so his skills will be maximized. Clemson graduate-transfer Scott Pagano should attract attention from opposing offenses, so there will be less pressure on Mondeaux to make all the plays.
All the Quarterbacks.
Yes, this is players to watch, but quarterback is the most important position. Justin Herbert was the man last season, but the new coaching staff is leaving the competition open. Travis Jonsen and Braxton Burmeister will get reps as well, and they are more mobile than Herbert is. You can learn a lot about the coach by the quarterback that he chooses, so whoever Willie Taggart chooses come fall, we will know more about the quarterback by how he performs in the spring game.
Follow Jack Butler on Twitter @Butler917