Quarterback Anyone?

David R.

March 14, 2010 - 12:15 PM

As the old saying goes, things can only get worse before they get better. After Jeremiah Masoli's accusations of a fraternity theft had seemed to dwindle, it was abruptly announced that he was going to be charged with the crime, and consequently kicked off of the team for the 2010 season.

The Oregon Ducks football team was considered to be the sixth best team in the nation in the post season rankings, strongly in part to the fact that our should-be quarterback for next season was considered by many to have the potential to be a Heisman candidate. Now, in a matter of weeks, the Ducks have transitioned from being a pre-season top ten team, to now having to figure out who the team's quarterback will be. It was announced on ESPN that Masoli will be using this season as his redshirt season, allowing him to return for the 2011 season. As of now, the Ducks have two options: Nate Costa or Daron Thomas. Costa, who has been injury-ridden for a good part of his college career, saw some minimal playing time this last season. Similarly, Thomas' playing time has been very limited while he has been here, but he has taken advantage of his time and begun to make a name for himself. Many Duck fans remember his remarkable effort that came a little too late last season against the Boise St. Broncos at home. In a game that Masoli had been taken out of due to injury, Thomas was thrust into the game and put on a fantastic passing display. The Ducks were brought within only a few points after being blown out in the first half, but the effort came a little too late. Then again, during the Civil War game in Corvallis, Thomas was again thrust into the game for one play, in which he completed a gorgeous pass to wide receiver Jeff Maehl. Many have begun to compare Thomas to Oregon great Dennis Dixon. Thomas has a similar tall and skinny body type, accompanied with speed, allowing him to be a threat on the ground as well as in the air.

For whatever reason, the Ducks football players have had a difficult time staying out of trouble this off-season. I can't remember a time since I have been here that the University's athletics have gotten so much national publicity for negative reasons. Multiple players have been arrested, and more have been kicked off of the team all together. When LaMichael James was in danger of being kicked off of the team, that possibility didn't seem as bad because we had just recruited one of the best running backs in the nation. Now the team has been presented with a serious issue, because a quarterback, especially one whose name was being tossed around as a Heisman candidate, is much more difficult to replace. In the end, James will only be suspended for one game next season, and may have to withstand a little jail time.

Hopefully this is the end of the off-season issues for the Ducks football team. Everyone can't help but wonder who will be behind center at the beginning of next season