Jack Hunter
Because senior placekicker Rob Beard is suspended for No. 11 Oregon’s season opener against New Mexico, the Ducks have named a freshman to the starting spot.
“I talked to Coach (Tom) Osborne after practice (on Friday),” true freshman kicker Alejandro Maldonado said. “He said that he decided that he wants to redshirt me.”
That leaves the job of kickoffs, extra points and field goals to walk-on freshman Eric Solis. The 5-foot-10, 182-pounder from Sherman Oaks, Calif., is the only left-footed kicker on the team.
Maldonado, who verbally committed to Washington before signing with the Ducks, will back up Solis along with punter Jackson Rice in case of emergency.
Beard’s suspension stems from a guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of physical harassment, after a Jan. 24 street fight that left him in critical condition. The sophomore from Fullerton, Calif., would have to undergo facial reconstructive surgery. Former Oregon kicker Mike Bowlin was also involved in the fight and pled guilty to one count of harassment; he left the team in February.
Cornerback
Junior Anthony Gildon, who started three games for the Ducks last season, was tabbed to start opposite senior cornerback Talmadge Jackson III against the Lobos.
“I don’t think there ever was a decision for us,” Oregon secondary coach John Neal said. “Anthony’s been the starter since the Rose Bowl.”
Sophomore Scott Grady and senior Chad Peppars were listed as the second string, with redshirt freshman Avery Patterson and sophomore Cliff Harris the third-string cornerbacks. Neal made no commitment to the depth chart, saying he plans to play all his cornerbacks as often as he can.
“The other two are twos also. It’s not a two-three position,” he said. “It’s a two-slash-two position until I know who’s going to step up in a game situation.”
Outside Linebacker
In a position battle that often resulted in highlight reels for spectators, Josh Kaddu held off redshirt freshman Boseko Lokombo for the final starting linebacker spot. Kaddu, a junior from Vacaville, Calif., who recorded 21 tackles in seven games before a foot injury ended his season, joins Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger in the middle of the defense.
“Kaddu has a little more experience. He was playing really well last year until he went down with that injury,” linebackers coach Don Pellum said. “I think Bo was probably one of the most impressive guys on our defense through fall camp. I think that’s a very healthy, good competition for us.”
Senior Bryson Littlejohn, initially considered for the outside linebacker slot, will instead back up Matthews at middle linebacker. Sophomore Michael Clay is listed as the backup to Paysinger.
“I think our depth is pretty good,” Pellum said. “I don’t think we have a whole lot of guys, but I think the guys we have know the scheme, know the system.”
Offensive Line
The Oregon offensive line returns all five of its starters (63 of 65 possible starts) and many of its backups, but offensive line coach Steve Greatwood made an adjustment with the hope of improved results.
Senior C.E. Kaiser and junior Mark Asper will start at right guard and right tackle, respectively, against New Mexico. Kaiser started 12 of 13 games at right tackle in 2009, while Asper started 12 of 13 games at right guard.
Kaiser is seen as the more physically explosive blocker in the running game, while the 6-foot-7 Asper’s mobility is important in pass protection.
