Oregon football gears up for 2003 season
The Oregon football team begins its preparation for the 2003 season Saturday at its first spring practice of the year.
The Ducks are the last Pacific-10 Conference team to begin.
NCAA rules stipulate that teams may practice a maximum of 15 times during the spring. The Ducks will have their annual spring game on May 3 at Autzen Stadium. The game is slated to begin at 12:30 p.m.
The Ducks return 14 starters (eight offense, six defense) from last season’s team that finished 7-6 overall and 3-5 in Pac-10 play.
Among those returnees is quarterback Jason Fife, who is expected to battle Kellen Clemens for the starting position. Samie Parker, who led the Ducks with 49 receptions, including eight for touchdowns, also returns for his senior season.
The defensive line duo of Igor Olshansky and Haloti Ngata,
who combined for 16 sacks last season, return.
The Ducks will look to replace running back Onterrio Smith and tight end George Wrighster, who both entered the draft after their junior seasons.
— Hank Hager