Just when running back Kenjon Barner returned to the playing field last week, another Oregon Duck went down. This time it was backup quarterback Nate Costa, whose career-ending injury only further signified the fragile nature of a football season.
As the Ducks enter the stretch run of their 2010 schedule, they are well aware that any hope for a national title could go up in flames with one bruising tackle or awkward fall.
“That’s the way football is,” wide receiver Jeff Maehl said. “You know any play can be your last one, so I think guys really realize that, and that just pushes us to work harder.”
Indeed, the Ducks will not let the ever-present threat of injury change their style of play. Heading into a difficult road matchup with California on Saturday, there is no room to be timid.
“Ain’t nothing changed,” quarterback Darron Thomas said. “Going to come out, do our thing, not really too worried about backing off injuries. If it happens, it happens … we’re going out to play.”
Still, Thomas acknowledges that he will need to be more protective of himself as the season winds down.
“I’m trying to slide (when running) any way it goes now, before Nate was hurt,” Thomas said. “Be a little bit more cautious because you know, got a youngster backing you up.”
So long as Thomas is able to do that, he will be the only quarterback taking snaps for the rest of the season.
“If No. 1’s healthy,” head coach Chip Kelly said. “Then we’re not going to go past No. 1.”
Taking Costa’s place as the holder on extra points and field goals will be punter Jackson Rice. Costa had always been reliable at the position, and Rice will have considerable shoes to fill. Still, Kelly is confident in the sophomore.
“He understands what he has to do,” Kelly told The Register-Guard. “He doesn’t have the experience that Nate has, but he’s done it in a game in live situations, and he does it all the time in practice.”
True freshman Bryan Bennett, meanwhile, takes over as the de facto number two quarterback, despite the fact that he was set to redshirt this year. Bennett may be inexperienced, but he has the confidence of his teammates if his number is called.
“Bryan, he really, really is a good player,” running back LaMichael James said. “I’ve been saying that since fall camp. I’m sure if something happens to Darron, of course I hope not, I’m sure he’ll fulfill everyone’s expectations.”
It was plain to see, however, that he did not want to see that prediction come to fruition.
“I hope he doesn’t have to play,” James said with a nervous chuckle.
That sentiment does not ring true for James’ own backup. The star is happy to see Barner back on the field and knows that his friend will be there to spell him when he needs a rest.
“Sometimes I get a little tired, a little winded,” James said. “(I) need a play off, and it’s really good to have Kenjon come in so we don’t miss a beat.”
Thomas shares that view and also notices a burst of energy from Barner after he sat out for nearly four weeks.
“I was so happy to see him out there (last Saturday),” Thomas said. “His speed was the thing; he was maybe faster than anybody out there on the field because he’d been rested.”
Along with fresh legs, Barner also serves as a distinct reminder of Oregon’s depth. The quarterback position may be worn thin after Costa’s injury, but the rest of the team remains strong.
“We got a lot of different players on the team that can help out,” Thomas said. “We got depth here, all around, so I think we’re good.”
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