#32 Oregon Ducks
Head Coach: Mike Bellotti
2003 record: 8-5

2004 Preview By JJ Pesavento
football.com

Team MVP: Junior wide receiver Demetrius Williams will play a large role in the Oregon offense. Williams has good size and above average speed, which makes him a threat to break a long one every time he touches the ball. With Samie Parker gone to the NFL, the Ducks will look for Williams to step up and be the big playmaker on offense. If Williams plays up to expectations, he should easily be an all conference, and possibly an all American selection.

Quarterback: When the rotation at the position came to a halt, junior Kellen Clemons became the full time starter. He put up some decent numbers in terms of yardage, but the most impressive stat in his game was the touchdown/interception ratio. Clemons threw for 18 touchdowns as compared to only nine interceptions in 2003. He is not extremely mobile, but that shouldn't be too much of a concern with the line the Ducks bring back. Behind Clemons the experience is thin with redshirt freshmen John DuRocher and Brady Leaf (brother of Ryan).

Running Back: The seemingly pass happy Ducks have a good one with junior Terrence Whitehead. Whitehead rushed for over 700 yards a year ago, and makes the Oregon ground attack a viable threat. The only question will be how quickly he can recover from the ankle surgery he had this past spring. Behind him are seniors Ken Washington and Ryan Shaw. Washington brings speed to the backfield while Shaw would fall into the power back category. Look for Washington to be the primary backup. Sophomore Dante Rosario, a former linebacker, will start at fullback. Rosario looks to be the all around fullback who can also be a capable receiver when need be.

Wide Receivers\Tight Ends: Junior Demetrius Williams is the main cog in the receiving corps. He is big, fast and will be the top target for Clemons. He had over 900 yards receiving a year ago, and should easily surpass that mark if his fellow receivers contribute. Redshirt freshman Garren Strong looks to have the inside track on the No 2 receiver spot, but he lacks experience. Another reshirt freshman, Brian Paysinger hasn't been the most consistent player, but could see more reps if he improves.  Sophomore Jordan Carey was impressive in spring drills and is a player to keep an eye on. Senior Marcus Maxwell and junior Keith Allen may be the most experienced, but both are recovering from injuries. Junior Tim Day should be one of the better tight ends in the conference after hauling in over 300 yards in receptions in 2003.

Offensive Line: The Ducks return four players with starting experience on the line, so there is definitely some optimism in regards to the unit. Seniors Robin Knebel, Mike DeLaGrange and Adam Snyder all return to battle for the starting roles at the tackles. Snyder was an All-Pac 10 selection in 2003, and will anchor the left side. Knebel and DeLaGrange will  both push for time on the right side. Senior Nick Steitz and junior Ian Reynoso will start at the guards while sophomore Enoka Lucas will step into a starting role at center. Knebel and Steitz are versatile enough to possibly start at other positions on the line, which makes this group even stronger.

Defensive Line: The Ducks return some talent on the line in senior tackle Rob Valenzuela and junior end Devan Long. Long is pass rushing nightmare and Valenzuela is strong at his tackle spot. Senior Chris Solomona, a speed rusher,  will hold down the end opposite Long. Sophomore Haloti Ngata will step into a starting role at tackle for the departed Igor Olshansky. Junior Darius Sanders should also make an impact as a reserve end.

Linebacker: Senior Jerry Matson will be the only player with any starting experience returning at linebacker. He will anchor the unit in the middle. Senior Ramone Reed and junior Anthony Trucks will step into starting roles on the outside. Reed will be challenged by senior Marcus Miller on the weakside. Both Trucks and Reed have been primarily special team players and will now be asked to assume starting roles with the team. They are quick and athletic, but need reps.

Secondary: The secondary returns senior rover Marley Tucker and junior cornerback Justin Phinisee. Phinisee, who can also play safety, will be the top cover corner for the Ducks. Tucker is the big hitter in the secondary. Senior Rodney Woods appears to be the top candidate for the starting job at corner opposite Phinisee. Sophomore J D Nelson will start at free safety. Juniors Marques Binns and Aaron Gipson and senior Charles Favworth will also figure into the mix as reserves.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Senior Jared Siegel has been solid for the Ducks. He has a big leg with good range. Sophomore Paul Martinez will need to improve over his 2003 performance at punter. He averaged well under 40 yards per kick. Ken Washington should be solid on kick returns for the Ducks.

Final Thoughts: Clemons should have a successful campaign for a few simple reasons. He has what looks to be a solid line in front of him and some real talent around him at receiver and running back. The only thing the Ducks lack is depth at the position. Oregon has above average talent at running back, and that should make the running attack more of a threat in 2004. Williams is a stud at receiver, but someone else needs to step up and be a solid No 2 or he may get smothered in coverage. The line should be one of the better units in the conference. On defense, the line should be a strength for the Ducks, but the depth may be somewhat questionable. Outside of Matson, the Ducks are woefully thin at linebacker. The group will have to gel quickly even with a solid line in front of them. The secondary has been a problem for Oregon for some time. While Phinisee can cover, the rest of the unit needs to improve on their coverage skills. Even with a solid pass rush, the group may struggle. The Ducks won't challenge USC for the Pac 10 crown, but they should be competitive.

-- JJ Pesavento