Quarterback: Kelly constantly reminded reporters this month that coaches didn’t have a formal depth chart to determine practice reps in camp, but even he was willing to acknowledge that a few guys had starting jobs wrapped up, among them junior quarterback Darron Thomas. Also seemingly unchallenged was the status of redshirt freshman Bryan Bennett as the backup; he literally has the No. 2 label printed on his jersey, after switching to that number when No. 3 Dior Mathis moved over from the defense. True freshman Marcus Mariota looks set for the third-string job but also likely for a redshirt season unless needed.
Running back: The Ducks still boast an embarrassment of talent in the backfield, despite the loss of former top recruit Lache Seastrunk. LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner form one of the best 1-2 punches in the country, and true freshman De’Anthony Thomas was phenomenal throughout camp. Another new back, Tra Carson, also could factor into Oregon’s plans this fall, as the lack of proven depth at receiver and tight end could conceivably prompt more two-back sets, and a need for several backs to rotate in. Walk-on Ayele Forde also looks like a potential contributor.
Wide receiver: Camp opened with a top three of Lavasier Tuinei, Josh Huff and Justin Hoffman, and though Huff was sidelined for much of camp with some sort of leg injury, that projects as the starting unit against LSU on Sept. 3. Several newcomers figured to challenge for spots on the two-deep this month, but the only sure thing looks like JC transfer Rahsaan Vaughn, who spent time with the first-string in place of Huff. Freshmen Devon Blackmon and Tacoi Sumler look talented, but returning — though inexperienced — vets like Daryle Hawkins, Nick Cole, Eric Dungy and even walk-on Ben Butterfield all had their moments in August, as did Mathis upon moving from cornerback.
Tight end: The good news is, the depth chart starts with returning all-conference senior David Paulson. After that, though, things thin out quickly. With Brandon Williams and Curtis White out because of injuries, true freshman Colt Lyerla projects as the backup, with fellow true freshman Christian French and several walk-ons behind him. The Ducks need Lyerla to mature quickly, and for either French or somebody like Brian Teague or Nick Musgrove to prove capable of helping in a pinch.
Offensive line: With left tackle Darrion Weems, guard Carson York and right tackle Mark Asper on hand and boasting ample starting experience, it appeared only two jobs were up for grabs this month. That was narrowed to one early in camp, as redshirt freshman Hroniss Grasu put a chokehold on the center position, seeming to fend off sophomore Karrington Armstrong throughout camp; third contender Hamani Stevens never really challenged either one. Over the final few days of camp, it appeared either senior walk-on Ramsen Golpashin or JC transfer Ryan Clanton, who redshirted last season, would win the final starting spot. Nick Cody and Everett Benyard look like capable backups.
Defensive line: Like Huff, key defensive linemen Ricky Heimuli and Wade Keliikipi missed significant practice time because of injuries this month, but they looked on track this week to be ready to play against the Tigers. In their absence, Taylor Hart and Isaac Remington played extensively on the No. 1 defense at tackle, and JC transfer Jared Ebert looks set to rotate inside as well. At end, Dion Jordan looks capable of sharing time with Terrell Turner at one position and Brandon Hanna at the other; Tony Washington might have been a factor, but his spring knee injury apparently flared up and slowed his progress this month. Hart, Remington and Keliikipi could play end if necessary, too.
Linebacker: The lone returning starter was Josh Kaddu on the outside, but junior Michael Clay looks like the leader here after replacing Spencer Paysinger at the weak-side position. Kaddu did show off his versatility, playing on the strong-side and weak-side and even dropping down to play end in certain packages. Two lingering questions: Who replaces Casey Matthews in the middle, Dewitt Stuckey or Kiko Alonso, the latter under indefinite suspension but looking at times like he was being prepped to play against LSU? And who provides depth at the two inside spots, where developing redshirt freshman Derrick Malone and a bunch of newcomers lack anything in the way of experience?
Defensive back: With Cliff Harris definitely out against LSU, redshirt freshman Terrance Mitchell grabbed hold of the position and held it throughout camp, across from senior corner Anthony Gildon. Another redshirt freshman, Troy Hill, could help too, and true freshman Ifo Ekpre-Olomu also showed promise both on defense and special teams; their development made the transfer of Scott Grady palatable. At safety, John Boyett and Eddie Pleasant fended off all comers, and converted cornerback Avery Patterson continued his spring emergence, looking more than capable of helping at safety and corner or as a nickelback.
Special teams: The Ducks are flush with returners, not only with kicker Rob Beard and punter Jackson Rice, but long snapper Drew Howell and short snapper Jeff Palmer. A new crop of coverage guys and blockers in the kicking game figures to emerge this fall, and some of the top candidates could be linebackers Malone, Keloni Kamalani and Bo Lokombo, and defensive backs Patterson, Erick Dargan and Brian Jackson.
