Cliff Harris had his best performance of 2009 against UCLA
In the final weeks leading up to the Ducks season opening game against New Mexico on September 4, I will take a look at some of the most important things that need to be addressed for the Ducks to repeat as Pac-10 Champions.
#15: The Young and the Restless
The Ducks enter 2010 having lost their enforcer (TJ Ward), their most underrated player (Willie Glasper), and probably the best overall football player on the team in Walter Thurmond III. The rotation figures to go at least 7 deep this season and it is the CB spot opposite Talmadge Jackson III that is the most intriguing. The good news is that not only is Nick Allioti stocked with young talent, but many of those youngsters were forced to step in during 2009 when Ward, Glasper, and Thurmond each missed significant time.
Sophomore CB Cliff Harris was picked on by Nick Foles and Arizona and targeted for portions of his true freshman campaign, but also showed flashes with an interception of demi-God Jake Locker and progressed enough to lead the team in pass breakups, despite appearing in only 8 games. John Boyett filled in for TJ Ward by leading the team in tackles and Javes Lewis was productive if not consistent at two positions after the rash of injuries and provides flexibility and depth that 2009 showed can make all the difference.
Then there are the Freshman: James Scales, Terrance Mitchell, Dior Mathis, and Erick Dargan are all big-time recruits with the speed and athleticism to succeed in the wide-open Pac-10. It is likely the Ducks will need at least one of the three corners to emerge and contend for reps during 2010 and the development of the four could also pay dividends on special teams. The move of Eddie Pleasant from LB to Rover will also bolster depth and should keep the freshman from being thrown into the fire before they are ready.
/Xelabocaj