An early look at the Pac-10, Part 2

OREGON- After such a promising season in 2007 that saw them come within reach of the National Championship, the Oregon Ducks will have a difficult time trying to repeat their success of last season. With quarterback Dennis Dixon gone, Coach Mike Bellotti will have his hands full trying to find a worthy replacement. Trying to find a player with the necessary experience will prove to be the problem even with six candidates to choose from. Sophomore Justin Roper will likely get a chance at the starting nod after he stepped in last season when Dixon went down with an injury. Another vying for the job will be Nate Costa, who had the opportunity to fill in for Dixon last year, but subsequently tore his ACL as well. Two newcomers who are ready for their shot as well are Chris Harper and Darron Thomas.

Possibly easier to fill this season will be the shoes of the star running back Jonathan Stewart, who will be missed this year as well. Jeremiah Johnson was the backup to Stewart and certainly is deserving of the opportunity. Newcomer LaGarrette Blount, a JUCO transfer who is a powerful runner, but lacks the speed of Stewart will also compete for that chance. Junior Andre Crenshaw could have a shot as well.If it could not get any worse on the offense, the receiving corps will have a major overhaul with the loss of two fifth-year seniors. There is some light at the end of the tunnel though, with the return of Jaison Williams the Ducks leading receiver. Although Williams is not a consistent receiver, he is the best that Oregon has. Junior receiver Derrick Jones’ legal problems could leave him questionable for the team. Junior Rory Cavaille and sophomores Aaron Pflugrad and Jeffrey Maehl will be in the mix of things as well. Senior center Max Unger returns to anchor the O-line along with fellow seniors Mark Lewis and Fenuki Tupou.

While the offense seems to be in a rebuilding phase, the same is not true for the defense. Led by senior Patrick Chung, the Ducks leading tackler at rover, the strength of the defense seems to be in tact. Starting cornerbacks Walter Thurmond III and Jairus Byrd will return to improve on last season’s success, and junior Titus Jackson could fill in for the departed Mathew Harper. On the line for the defense, ends Nick Reed and Will Tukuafu excel as pass rushers and will be helped out by seniors Ra’Shon Harris and Cole Linehan. The linebacking corps will be led by returning senior John Bacon in the middle, while Jerome Boyd and Kevin Garrett will try to improve on last year. The special teams will return everyone except the holder and this should be an easy spot to fill. With the lack of experience on offense, it is highly unlikely the defense can carry the team to the standard of last year.

OREGON STATE- The outlook for the Beavers in 2008 is bright, despite losing half of their starters on each side of the ball. Coach Mike Riley is optimistic of the young group of players that have mentored and gained experience behind the now departed veterans. At the quarterback position, juniors Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao will compete for the number one spot on the depth chart. True freshman Ryan Kantz could also be in the mix, but is highly unlikely to win the job. The running back position has plenty of competition, but lacks the experience. Redshirt-freshman Ryan McCants seems to be the front-runner, while JUCO transfer Jeremy Francis is sure to make a claim for the starting gig. Senior Patrick Fuller, mainly a special teams player, could stake a claim as the number 2 man in the backfield. Led by 2006 All-American Sammie Stroughter, the receiving corps seems to be the strength of the offense with sophomores Darrell Catchings and James Rodgers joining him. Junior Howard Croom and sophomore Gabe Miller will anchor the tight ends, with junior John Reese and sophomore Brady Camp having experience to contribute as well.

Along the offensive line, the Beavers have a solid front returning despite losing two key players. Although senior guard Jeremy Perry missed most of last season with a broken leg, he will anchor the line along with senior tackle Andy Levitre, who has become one of the best in the league at his position. Seniors Adam Speer and Marcus Henderson along with junior Gregg Peat will help contribute up front as well. Sophomores Alex Linnenkohl and Ryan Pohl have the experience to chip in and senior Tavita Thompson will return in November following an NCAA suspension.

The defense will be almost entirely transformed with only three returning starters and none on the defensive line. Seniors Victor Butler, Slade Norris, and Pernnell Booth all saw significant action last year and will be depended upon to fill the missing slots. JUCO transfer Stephen Paea comes highly regarded, as does Simi Kuli, the top JUCO recruit in the nation, and will make an immediate impact at the tackle position. Several other players will play a role in setting up the d-line to fill the voids left by departed players. The linebacking corps will have fresh new faces in the starting lineup, with seniors Bryant Cornell and Isaiah Cook, along with junior Keaton Kristick and sophomores Dwight Roberson, Keith Pankey, and Walker Vave battling for a top slot on the depth chart.

Two of the three returning players on defense are in the backfield with senior cornerbacks Brandon Hughes and Keenan Lewis. Along with juniors Tim Clark and Patrick Henderson and Sophomore James Dockery, the experience is sure to pay off. Senior safety Al Afalava, who is the other returning starter, Bryan Payton, and Greg Laybourn will combine to be the strength of the defense and provide leadership on the field. Special teams could turn out to be a critical area for the Beavers with new sophomore placekicker Justin Kahut who has little experience. Redshirt-freshman Kyle Harper and transfer Sean Sehnem will battle for the punting duties.

STANFORD- Despite impressive wins over USC and Cal in 2007, Stanford Head Coach Jim Harbaugh is far from satisfied and wants it known he won’t settle for less in 2008. The offense will return eight players this season and senior quarterback Tavita Pritchard will be expected to lead the team. Sophomore Jason Forcier, who transferred from Michigan, is expected to give Pritchard a run for the starting role. Senior Anthony Kimbal is the Cardinal team leading rusher despite limited playing time. Injuries last season allowed ample playing time among several players including Toby Gerhart, Tyrone McGraw, and Jeremy Stewart- all of whom could land the top rushing spot. Junior receiver Richard Sherman is expected to step into a leadership role among the crop of young players on the field.

The offensive line could be better this season than it was last with the core returning led by senior center Alex Fletcher. Fletcher will be joined by senior tackles Chris Marinelli, Ben Muth and Allen Smith all vying for a starting spot.

Senior defensive end Pannel Egboh will return to lead the line and improve upon last season’s numbers. As the leading tackler among the line, Egboh has the ability to become one of the best defensive ends in the country. On the opposite side, senior Erik Lorig and junior Levirt Griffin could each have an opportunity to start. Senior Ekom Udofia will try to regain All-American form after suffering an injury last season. Matt Bentler, Derek Hall, Matthew Masifilo, and James McGillicuddy will look to capture the eye of the coaching staff to have a chance at starting.

The strong point of the defense is without a doubt at the linebacker position. Seniors Clinton Snyder and Pat Maynor, junior Nick Macaluso, and sophomore Chike Amajoyi are all versatile players making them universal among the three linebacker positions. Kris Evans and Wopamo Osaisai, both seniors, will be the front-runners for the cornerback position. Sophomore Corey Gatewood could end up being a major factor in pushing for a starting job. The top three safeties from a year ago; Bo McNally, Austin Yancy, and Taylor Skaufel, return to solidify the secondary. Special teams will take on a major overhaul as well, with no starters returning. Sophomore David Green is the sole punter on the team until the fall, which may produce another for competition. Green will also compete for the placekicker spot along with senior Aaron Zagory.