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Oregon Ducks

Reloaded squad can still contend in Pac-10

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Latest: Tuesday August 08, 2000 04:35 PM

College Football: The New Century

'99: 9-3, 6-2 Pac-10

Coach

Mike Bellotti (sixth season, 39-20; 62-45-2 overall)

Key offensive players

Joey Harrington, QB, Jr.
Started and won the Ducks' final four games but he still faces challenge from former starter A.J. Feeley.

Keenan Howry, WR, So.
As a true freshman he caught 26 passes for 398 yards (16.3 yards per reception).

Lee Gundy, G, Sr.
Big man inside but needs to stay healthy. Only two offensive linemen return for Oregon.

Key defensive players

Saul Patu, DE, Sr.
Led team with seven sacks and 13 tackles-for-loss and was the most consistent defensive lineman when healthy.

Ivan Maisel's Player of the Century: Mel Renfro, HB, 1961-63
"Three-time all-conference, two-time All-American and a Hall of Fame member."

Brightest Moment: Under Rich Brooks, Oregon reached the Rose Bowl in 1995 for the first time in 37 years. The Ducks finished ranked No. 11, the school's highest year-end mark.

Lowest Moment: The Ducks won just two games four times in Brooks' first six years. The slow building was due in large part to NCAA and Pac-10 sanctions in the early 1980s for various scams.

Matt Smith, LB, Sr. The 6-foot-4, 242-pounder is "the man" what with Peter Sirmon gone.

Key newcomer

Maurice Morris, RB, Jr.
Pencil in juco transfer as Rueben Droughns' replacement.

Throwback player

Junior outside linebacker Wesley Mallard not only possesses the perfect name for a Ducks' player, but the former walk-on is the type of effort guy every coach loves.

21st Century player

Just 5-10, 165 pounds, Howry looks like a receiver in the Troy Walters mode -- undersized, plain good. During the spring game, he led all receivers with eight catches for 146 yards.

Fast Fact

In 104 years of football, Oregon has never won 10 or more games.

Outlook

This year will be a test for Oregon, the Pac-10's best team last season even though it tied Washington for second in the standings. With just 10 starters returning -- including the punter -- the Ducks look to be rebuilding. But Oregon is closing in on becoming a team that reloads every season and is never out of the hunt. The defense must replace seven starters, while the only sure things on offense are wide receiver and quarterback, where Harrington and Feeley are both quality players. The receiving corps is deep. Howry and Marshaun Tucker combined to catch 56 passes last year, while Enyi Nwamuo and tight end LaCorey Collins also are experienced. The offensive key will be running back Morris. If he's anywhere near as good as Droughns -- and can stay healthier than his predecessor -- the offense will be dangerous.

-- Ted Miller