College Football Top 25: Spring practice 2016 edition

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 26
Next
Jan 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) is hoisted by teammates after scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2016 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) is hoisted by teammates after scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2016 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Oregon started the 2015 season as one of college football’s top 10 teams, but ended as the No. 15 squad in the country, and that’s only because the Ducks made a comeback in the second half of the year.

Following a blowout loss to Utah and a tough loss to Washington State, the Ducks were 3-3, but went on to win nine straight to make it to the Alamo Bowl in an intriguing matchup with TCU. Oregon blew a 31-point lead in that one and lost 47-41 in triple overtime.

Vernon Adams played just one season for the Ducks, but his career in Eugene has expired, leaving a wide open quarterback race. Jeff Lockie played in place of Adams when he was injured during the 2015 season and looked mediocre, at best. He finished the year with 580 yards, five touchdowns and four interception on 99 attempts.

Could incoming three-star freshman Terry Wilson compete for the starting job or will Lockie get another shot? Can’t forget sophomore Taylor Alie who attempted just 14 passes all season. Mark Helfrich will have his work cut out for him in regards to the quarterback race.

The running back position will be solid seeing as the top three rushers, starting with Royce Freeman, were just freshmen and sophomores. Freeman will be the starter again, and for good reason. He finished the 2015 season with 1,836 yards and 17 scores.

Leading receiver Bralon Addison is leaving early for the NFL, but the Ducks bring back a wealth of serviceable receivers and a nice class, ranked No. 23 on Scout, with some athletic targets in the bunch.

Next: 17. UCLA Bruins