The Oregon football team is three practices into its spring schedule, and the performance of several players has drawn attention.
The Ducks are learning a new system under their new offensive coordinator Gary Crowton and have several young players who are looking to step up and earn starting roles.
Defensively, Oregon needs to improve on stopping the pass and replace four starters among its front seven.
Here is a look at several athletes whose play has created or will attract attention during
the spring:
Offense
Kellen Clemens — The senior quarterback has looked sharp despite digesting a new playbook. His throws are consistently on the money, and he is clearly the best passer of the five signal callers who are practicing. Clemens will also get to show off his deceptive running skills next season as Crowton’s offense features several variations of the option.
Demetrius Williams — The senior wide receiver is finally healthy after spending most of last season hindered by injury. When at full strength, Williams is one of the bigges
playmakers in the Pacific-10 Conference.
It appears he will get plenty of chances to make things happen next season as the De La
Salle High School product has been running crisp routes in practice, has been used as an option pitchman and has gotten several
carries on reverses.
Geoff Schwartz — The sophomore has been getting reps with the first team at right tackle and has been holding his own. The Los Angeles native saw limited action during his freshman campaign, but at 6-foot-7 and 351 pounds, Schwartz has the size and ability to start on a line that lost four seniors.
Terrell Jackson — The redshirt freshman running back came in as a highly touted recruit last season from Centennial High School in Corona, Calif. While nobody can argue the talents of the 5-foot-9 speedster, it is unknown how Jackson fits into Oregon’s plans. With the emergence of senior Terrence Whitehead as a 1,000-yard back and the arrival of blue-chip recruit Jonathan Stewart in the fall, Jackson will struggle to see the field.
Jackson has looked solid during spring practice but had a key fumble during a team drill on Tuesday that angered head coach Mike Bellotti. Jackson has also practiced as a kick returner.
Palauni Ma Sun — The junior college transfer is an imposing figure at the guard position. At 6-foot-5 and 365 pounds, he has the size and reach to be an effective blocker. The Waipahu, Hawaii, native has struggled with technique, however, and will have to improve for a chance at a starting position.
Defense
Haloti Ngata — An absolute stud when healthy, the junior defensive tackle will anchor a line that needs to come up with a more effective pass rush. When Ngata has gone full speed, there isn’t an offensive
lineman on the Oregon roster (or in the Pac-10 for that matter) that can block No. 96.
David Faaeteete — The sophomore defensive tackle has been impressive during spring drills, displaying good technique and a lot of intensity. The Medford native is fighting to earn the spot vacated by Robby Valenzuela.
Willie Glasper — The freshman
cornerback is yet another heralded recruit from De La Salle High School. Glasper’s talents have caught the eyes of senior corner Justin Phinisee, who said the newcomer is certain to help the Oregon pass defense with his speed and nose for the ball.
Devan Long — The senior defensive end is expected to have the best season of his career as Oregon’s biggest pass-rushing threat. Long injured his hamstring during the first
day of spring drills, however, and will likely be out until next week.
Aaron Gipson — Like Long, big things are expected from the senior cornerback. After a rough start to his Oregon career, Gipson has turned himself into a quality player. He is also out until next week, though, after injuring the sternoclavicular joint near his left shoulder.
[email protected]