Oregon Ducks: Ayele Forde
Very few programs in the country can lose someone like LaMichael James and hope to simply replace him with a similar talent. One of the biggest ways to be a true power program in college football is the ability to do just that.
The Ducks hope to prove themselves this year as they have a talented group of backs who should continue the dominant Oregon running game.
With James' departure, senior Kenjon Barner finally has the chance to be the go-to back for the high-flying Ducks. Being the go-to back means little in Chip Kelly's system, as Barner knows very well.
The Ducks hope to prove themselves this year as they have a talented group of backs who should continue the dominant Oregon running game.
With James' departure, senior Kenjon Barner finally has the chance to be the go-to back for the high-flying Ducks. Being the go-to back means little in Chip Kelly's system, as Barner knows very well.
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Will there be a drop off at running back?
July, 16, 2012
7/16/12
12:07
PM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Harry How/Getty ImagesWith LaMichael James now in the NFL, senior running back Kenjon Barner is now thrust into the spotlight as Oregon's go-to guy in the backfield.When James was in Eugene, he was perhaps the most explosive player in program history. He might have been the most explosive player in the country as well. Then, along came De'Anthony Thomas, who will help take his place in 2012. As a freshman in 2011, Thomas instantly became the most explosive player on the Ducks and, arguably, in the country.
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Brandon Oliver
Brandon Oliver joined ESPN in 2012. In recent years, Oliver has been involved in the Nike Football Tour with both ESPNHS and Nike. He has covered West Coast recruiting for various online outlets since 2008, with an emphasis on Oregon football. Email him at boliverespn@gmail.com.