The Spring Game Cometh - An Editorial

Last years spring game was a sign of things to come, what will this year bring?
Photo Credit to AP Photo/The Register-Guard/Brian Davies

The sun is trying to come out, I promise. The forecast for this upcoming Saturday's calls for mostly sunny skies and if you've attended an Oregon Duck football game then you know that the forecast means nothing because it never rains at Autzen Stadium!

Coming on the heels of the most successful season in program history, Chip Kelly leads his flock of Ducks onto the field for his second consecutive Pac 10 title defense. The offensive line has big shoes to fill, losing three starters including stalwart Jordan Holmes. I am looking forward to seeing how the offensive line fends off the likes of Ricky Heimuli and Dion Jordan in the contest on Saturday. Early returns from spring practices have shown the defense outplaying and outworking the highly touted Oregon offense.

Oregon has several known commodities on the offensive side of the ball, in Darron Thomas, Josh Huff, Lavasier Tuinei and Heisman runner up LaMichael James. What is exciting to me is the incoming class of talent who could continue in pursuing Oregon's meteoric rise to the top of college football. Reports from practice have stated that Lache Seastrunk is starting to come on and really start to feel his role in the offense. Seastrunk was highly touted coming out of high school and I can't wait to see what he can do for the green and yellow on Saturdays. Also making an early impact is true froshman, Colt Lyerla. The coaches are high on this kid and his work ethic and physical prowess show why. Lyerla has a nose for the ball and a high football IQ.

Players like Lyerla and Seastrunk are going to have to step up in light of Jeff Maehl's departure from the college ranks. The incoming class of wide receivers could truly do wonders for Chip Kelly's mad scientist brain as he will have speed all over the field. Tacoi Sumler, DeAnthony Thomas and JC transfer Rashaun Vaughn look to pick up from Maehl's production and I think this incoming crop of players have the speed and vertical threat to really open up the offense to even more of a breakneck speed and potent output.

I'm fired up for the spring game, like Cliff Harris. It's a little teaser of what we are going to get to see on Saturdays this fall and I can't wait to welcome in the new crop of Ducks and show them what Autzen Stadium is all about.

Donations to gain entry to the Spring game are three sealed, preserved food items and donations will be going to Food For Lane County. The game will begin at 1PM and the parking lot opens at 10AM. See you there!