The dawn of spring can mean only one thing for the Oregon football team: It’s time to get back to business.
With the afterglow of a national championship run beginning to fade, Chip Kelly and the Ducks return to the field today to begin spring practice drills in preparation for the 2011-2012 season. The workouts serve as a leadup to the annual Spring Game that takes place at Autzen Stadium on April 30.
As was the case last year, the game will be used as a way to honor the United States armed forces and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.
“This not only presents a tremendous opportunity for our fans to pay their respects for the sacrifices men and women around the country make every day, but proved to be an eye-opening experience for our players and coaches,” Kelly said in an athletic department statement. “There were relationships formed from last year’s experience that extended beyond just one afternoon.”
Before any of that, however, the team has to get through a month of serious practice. With plenty of returners such as running back LaMichael James, quarterback Darron Thomas, and cornerback Cliff Harris, the Ducks do not lack for star power as they head into the first phase of a new season. Yet, spring is a time for new faces to prove their worth as potential contributors. Without further ado, we present some notable story lines as a new season officially begins.
The evolution of Darron Thomas
In the midst of all of the hoopla surrounding James, the Heisman and Oregon’s undefeated regular season run, lost in the shuffle was the fact that Thomas led the Ducks to the BCS National Championship Game in his first season as a full-time starter. Returning to practice for what will be his junior season, the sky is the limit for Thomas as a collegiate quarterback.
Though spring practices surely cannot be described as “all-important,” it will be interesting to see how Thomas improves as the unquestioned leader of Oregon’s offense. No longer fighting for his job with veteran Nate Costa, as was the case last season, Thomas will be free to develop his skills in peace.
Preseason All-Americans
GoDaddy.com announced its 2011 preseason All-America team back on March 24, and it included two of Oregon’s most popular players. James was named a first team running back, while Harris made the cut as a first team cornerback and punt returner. Thomas and senior tight end David Paulson were also named as honorable mentions.
Who will fill the shoes at linebacker?
Perhaps most noticeable in the line of departures from last season’s squad were starting linebackers Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger. A surprisingly stingy Oregon defense relied heavily upon the leadership of the two seniors, who combined for 155 tackles in 2010. Emerging talents Michael Clay and Kiko Alonso wait in the wings to replace the departed seniors, alongside returning starter Josh Kaddu. Yet, it remains to be seen just how much of a hole will be left at two of the crucial positions on defense. Spring practices will show just how prepared the newcomers are for the spotlight.
A chance to shine
Redshirt freshman running back Lache Seastrunk spent the entirety of his inaugural season at Oregon on the bench. It was widely known that the adjustment to the new role, or lack thereof, was difficult and that the Texas native had thoughts of transferring. Spring practices provide the opportunity for Seastrunk to finally prove his worth as a spell for James and backup running back Kenjon Barner. After fellow redshirt freshman Dontae Williams’ departure from the Oregon program last February, it is Seastrunk’s spot to lose. Whether he will step up to the challenge remains to be seen, and he may also face potential distractions after his name popped up in an NCAA investigation of Oregon’s relationship with Texas scout Will Lyles. Seastrunk’s talent cannot be denied, however, and it could be on full display during spring workouts.
Culture change?
Oregon’s run to the national title last season placed the program into the national spotlight. A trip to the Rose Bowl in 2009 was noteworthy, to be sure, but nothing compares to an undefeated regular season and shot to win it all. Thus, spring football may have a slightly different feel to it this year. With the nation still abuzz about Oregon’s high octane offense and flashy uniforms, there may be more attention paid to these practice sessions than ever before. How the Ducks react to it remains to be seen, though if Kelly has a say, the players will approach it no differently. Whatever the case, fans will find out soon enough.
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