Oregon Ducks: Koa Ka'ai
Key position battles in Oregon fall camp 
August, 7, 2012
8/07/12
9:15
AM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Every season comes with roster questions no matter the program. The three-time defending league champion Ducks lost some key pieces after 2011 but there is an abundance of talent waiting in the wings.
Not all of the key position battles involve a departed star, however. There are key returners at every spot on the field. With fall camp kicking off today there are a few key spots up for grabs.
Not being named a starter in Chip Kelly's system is not a dream killer though. Especially on defense, where the Ducks rotate more players than any team in the country.
Not all of the key position battles involve a departed star, however. There are key returners at every spot on the field. With fall camp kicking off today there are a few key spots up for grabs.
Not being named a starter in Chip Kelly's system is not a dream killer though. Especially on defense, where the Ducks rotate more players than any team in the country.
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Colt Lyerla misses Day One of camp
August, 7, 2012
8/07/12
8:15
AM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Oregon starting tight end Colt Lyerla was conspicuously absent from Ducks' media day as they opened fall camp on Monday. No specific reason was given for his absence.
Oregon head coach Chip Kelly always plays it close to the vest with injuries and anything else involving his players. He addressed the subject briefly during his time with the media.
"Colt Lyerla has had a terrific summer for us" Kelly said. "He has got a couple of things he's got to take care of and should be at practice shortly, but he's not here today."
Kelly went on to say that Lyerla was excused and that his absence was nothing to be concerned with at this point.
Lyerla is the only scholarship tight end with game experience. Behind him stand a group of talented but unproven athletes.
Former defensive end Koa Ka'ai joins walk-ons Brian Teague and Jennings Stewart as the only other players who have been with the program before Monday.
Freshman Pharoah Brown and Evan Baylis are elite talents who showed there potential during the first practice of fall camp. Jumbo athlete Terrence Daniel is yet another freshman who is not as polished as Brown and Baylis but is an extremely talented athlete that came into camp at 6-foot-6, 249-pounds. It is likely that one of the freshman will see the field no matter Lyerla's situation.
Oregon head coach Chip Kelly always plays it close to the vest with injuries and anything else involving his players. He addressed the subject briefly during his time with the media.
"Colt Lyerla has had a terrific summer for us" Kelly said. "He has got a couple of things he's got to take care of and should be at practice shortly, but he's not here today."
Kelly went on to say that Lyerla was excused and that his absence was nothing to be concerned with at this point.
Lyerla is the only scholarship tight end with game experience. Behind him stand a group of talented but unproven athletes.
Former defensive end Koa Ka'ai joins walk-ons Brian Teague and Jennings Stewart as the only other players who have been with the program before Monday.
Freshman Pharoah Brown and Evan Baylis are elite talents who showed there potential during the first practice of fall camp. Jumbo athlete Terrence Daniel is yet another freshman who is not as polished as Brown and Baylis but is an extremely talented athlete that came into camp at 6-foot-6, 249-pounds. It is likely that one of the freshman will see the field no matter Lyerla's situation.
The defending league champion Oregon Ducks kick off their quest for a Pac-12 four-peat when fall camp kicks off on Monday. The Ducks won the last two Pac-10 titles and the inaugural Pac-12 title; now they want to be the first back-to-back Pac-12 champions.
When fall camp kicks off there will be many familiar faces and also some notable players missing.
Gone are record-setting quarterback Darron Thomas, all-time leading rusher LaMichael James, team MVP David Paulson, the team's most improved player, Eddie Pleasant, and Rose Bowl Offensive MVP LaVasier Tuinei. How will they replace the departed stars? Who will step up? Is a fourth consecutive league title possible?
When fall camp kicks off there will be many familiar faces and also some notable players missing.
Gone are record-setting quarterback Darron Thomas, all-time leading rusher LaMichael James, team MVP David Paulson, the team's most improved player, Eddie Pleasant, and Rose Bowl Offensive MVP LaVasier Tuinei. How will they replace the departed stars? Who will step up? Is a fourth consecutive league title possible?
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A look at the 2011 recruiting class
July, 25, 2012
7/25/12
10:00
AM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Oregon Ducks fans have been witness to one of the greatest rises in college football history over the past two decades. The Ducks have risen from cellar dwellers to one of the hottest names in all of college football. The facilities, the uniforms and the Nike connection have all played a big role in the Ducks' rise to the top of the Pac-12.
Along with the success and the increased exposure nationally has come a major boost in recruiting elite athletes to come to Eugene. It isn't always the high school All-Americans that turn into college stars. Oregon has made a living finding "diamonds in the rough" that have helped build a powerhouse.
There have been some big names in the recruiting world who chose to play their college ball in Eugene, but how many of them have lived up to the hype?
Along with the success and the increased exposure nationally has come a major boost in recruiting elite athletes to come to Eugene. It isn't always the high school All-Americans that turn into college stars. Oregon has made a living finding "diamonds in the rough" that have helped build a powerhouse.
There have been some big names in the recruiting world who chose to play their college ball in Eugene, but how many of them have lived up to the hype?
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Ducks defensive line long on talent, depth
July, 3, 2012
7/03/12
10:00
AM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Matthew Emmons/US PresswireRicky Heimuli (front), a highly touted defensive tackle in the 2010 class, is expected to take a big step up on Oregon's defensive line this season.The Ducks have excelled at nearly every position outside of DL in recent years. The linebackers have been key in helping the Ducks to high sack totals, but 2012 looks like the season it all comes together up front for the Ducks. The depth, size and talent are at an all-time high in Eugene, as key returners are back for another go around and a number of impact newcomers will be entering the fold.
After losing Kenny Rowe, Brandon Bair and Zac Clark from the 2010 BCS runner-ups, the defensive line stepped up last year and kept the Ducks among the elite. Now that they have another year under their belts, look for Oregon's front line to make a big impact in 2012.
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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.