Ryan Gilliam doesn’t think he could help out the Oregon secondary.
Not at this stage of his collegiate career, anyway.
“In my opinion, I’m nowhere where I need to be right now,” the redshirt freshman said Tuesday. “I’m not in a position to help this team at corner right now. If anything, the only place I can help this team right now is at return and I’ve been inconsistent there as well.”
That’s a significant statement from the Tallahassee, Fla. native, considering he is generally included in discussions centered on the top players in Oregon’s 2003 recruiting class.
Gilliam is “a much ballyhooed recruit (who) obviously has a world of potential,” Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti said. “I think he’s learning and is still at that point of being hamstrung by a lack of total confidence in the system at this point.”
Coming into spring workouts, Gilliam was listed as Oregon’s No. 2 left cornerback, behind only Rodney Woods. However, that means “nothing,” according to Gilliam.
“I’ve had my highs and lows (this spring),” he said. “In my opinion, I’ve been extremely inconsistent. I’m hoping to finish out strong … I’ve been at the top of my game and at the bottom of my game.”
Gilliam’s top game has included a punt returned for a touchdown before Oregon’s second scrimmage of the spring less than two weeks ago.
He is fast, perhaps one of the quickest members of the team. But that quickness can only take him so far.
“Ryan Gilliam has certainly done some things as a returner and has shown some flashes of brilliance based on his speed,” Bellotti said. “He needs to play faster, though. I think that will come.”
That speed has also made him a valuable part of the Oregon track and field team. At the Pepsi Team Invitational, he ran the 100-meter dash in 10.72 seconds, good for second place.
Even though the football Ducks will play in the annual spring game Saturday, Gilliam expects to participate in the Oregon Twilight later in the day at Hayward Field. He said he expects to compete in at least the 100.
“I’ve already qualified for (Pacific-10 Conference Championships),” he said. “I’m trying to get into the NCAA Regionals. I’ve got to shave my time by about eight more tenths in the 100. Track’s going real good right now.”
One more catch about Gilliam: He’s doing all of this far away from home. He’s the Oregon football
player who has to travel the farthest just to get home.
Tallahassee is 2,960 miles away from Eugene. By car, that’s approximately a 45-hour drive. By plane, that can take up to eight hours.
“It’s just a part of growing up,” he said of the move. “You’ve got to experience that, got to go through it. It’s done with now. I’m happy to be here in Eugene. It’s great weather. I’m glad I’m here instead of home right now. I’d be sweating and miserable.”

To the spring game
Bellotti indicated at Tuesday’s practice that the spring game this year will be more in the form of a scrimmage, which is due to the team’s lack of depth on both the offensive and defensive lines.
The game starts at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Those interested in attending the workout can gain entrance into Autzen Stadium by donating three non-perishable food items, as “requested” by Oregon.
The game will be televised on Comcast Television (channel 14 in Eugene) and on KUGN Radio (590 AM).

When all is said and done
Oregon had four players selected in the annual NFL Draft.
Keith Lewis, Samie Parker, Igor Olshansky and Junior Siavii all heard their names called. Three others, though, could join them on NFL rosters once the 2004 season starts.
Defensive end Quinn Dorsey signed as an undrafted free agent with New England. Kevin Mitchell signed with Miami, joining former Oregon quarterback A.J. Feeley, who was acquired by the Dolphins from Philadelphia during the offseason.
In a familiar situation, Jason Fife will be reunited with Joey Harrington. Fife, who was Harrington’s understudy at Oregon, signed with Detroit and is expected to battle Rick Mirer and Mike McMahon for a backup spot.
“I think that’s awesome,” Oregon quarterback Kellen Clemens said of Fife’s signing. “It’s intriguing to see Jason and Joey playing now again together. Jason deserves to have a shot at that level.”
Also of note, Lewis will be joined in San Francisco with some familiar faces.
Oregon State linebacker Richard Seigler was drafted in the fourth round, while safety Lawrence Turner and placekicker Kirk Yliniemi, both former Beavers, signed as undrafted free agents.
The 49ers also hold the rights to former Oregon running back Allan Amundson, who has made the switch to cornerback and plays in NFL Europe.