Oregon officially begins fall camp today at Autzen Stadium with an eye to ironing out kinks before the Sept. 4 opener against New Mexico in Eugene. The competition for quarterback between Nate Costa and Darron Thomas will obviously be the most watched position battle when camp opens, but there are still a few other holes to fill. These positions have the most questions going into the season:
Quarterback

If former Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli hadn’t been booted off the team in April, this would be a position of strength. But replacing the second team all-conference quarterback will not be easy, and it remains to be seen what level of play Oregon can expect from this
position. Costa and Thomas have only one career start combined, although Costa saw action in mop-up duty last year. If Oregon can get merely adequate quarterback play, it has the firepower on offense and the strength on defense to return to the Rose Bowl. If the Ducks get exceptional quarterback play, then it could be a season to remember.
Defensive line

On defense, the biggest question seems to be the defensive line, as it usually is for the Ducks, with two starters departing and two returning. However, Oregon seems to be able to get productive, if unspectacular, line play every year. Senior defensive end Kenny Rowe (honorable mention All-Pac-10) and senior defensive tackle Brandon Bair return, and both have all-conference potential. Rowe had 11.5 sacks last year and is on the watch list for several postseason awards. Senior Zac Clark looks to be the frontrunner for the other tackle spot, and either junior Terrell Turner or sophomore Dion Jordan will take the other defensive end position. Turner and Jordan could share time, as Jordan is adept at rushing the passer. The Ducks’ defensive scheme puts a premium on pressuring the passer, so the play at this spot will be crucial.
Kicker

Either redshirt sophomore Rob Beard or incoming freshman Alejandro Maldonado will be the placekicker. Graduated kicker Morgan Flint was extremely accurate from 40 yards and in, although his leg was not particularly strong. Beard handled longer field goals last year, with one missed attempt from 51 yards, and kickoffs. Oregon doesn’t know exactly what it is getting in Maldonado, as with most freshmen, but he should get his shot. This position makes a difference in close games and could be the difference between nine wins and 11.
Wide receiver

Returning starters Jeff Maehl, D.J. Davis and Lavasier Tuinei all had solid, workmanlike years, making just enough plays to keep winning games. All played well in spring practice and should provide bigger plays this year. However, while Oregon returns all starters at this position, the depth behind them is perilously thin. Four scholarship receivers on the team last year are no longer with the Ducks this year. Walk-on Justin Hoffman played well in the spring and seems to be the fourth wide receiver, but the Ducks need more receivers to step up. Oregon might need contributions from incoming freshmen Josh Huff and Keanon Lowe. If the starters can stay healthy, this group should be fine, but any injuries could really hurt this group. The Ducks have nice depth at tight end, and the versatile and explosive Kenjon Barner needs to be on the field, so the answer might be in more two-tight end/running back sets.
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