If we don't sign a RB, then..............

[MacDuck]

I really hope Chris Harper gets a strong look at RB this Spring. Consider that our Spring tailback line-up is looking like Blount, Crenshaw and whatever walk-ons are available. James & Alston will both likely be held out while recovering from shoulder & knee surgeries. Since LaGarrette & Andre are both SRs, it's not like they need a ton of looks as the coaches know what they can do. Seems like a perfect time to see how CH looks running the ball.

If we're fortunate enough to land a player like Bryce Brown then I certainly don't see the necessity of moving Chris to his 3rd position in approx 1 year. But w/o a player like BB, and the short list of available backs in the Spring, then it would seem like a great time to try him out there.

The next consideration would be 2 things:

1. would Chris be open to another switch?
2. do the coaches feel the needs at WR/slot require him to stay put?

Some folks always seem to bring up Malachi Lewis' name in the RB discussion. I don't feel he is a viable option at RB. He's played 2 full seasons and is the back-up TE right now. If he's going to get any consideration at RB then it would have to be this Spring as it's the time to try changes like this. I don't see it unless NaDarris Ward is such a stud that ML's time is going to drop off even more. I would rather see Dickson get some looks at JWill's WR spot to allow more time for Ward than moving ML to RB where he hasn't played a single down at since he's been here.

[duckgrad99]

Personally, I like Harper at wide receiver. I'm more concerned with the depth there than at running back. If one of our running backs were to go down, then that's another story.

[dthomas=ddixon]

I absolutetly LOVE the thought of Harper at RB. Part of me has been kinda hoping BB wouldn't come so we could use Harper there. MB has said that they will use him as a Darren McFadden type player, I think that is just awesome. He has such a rare combination of size & speed matched with his tremendous vision, it would almost be a waste to have him at WR. He wouldn't be allowed to use those skills nearly as much if he's only catching, then running. Give him the ball from the line of scrimmage with a chance to find the hole & set up his blocks.

[duckgrad99]

I absolutetly LOVE the thought of Harper at RB. Part of me has been kinda hoping BB wouldn't come so we could use Harper there. MB has said that they will use him as a Darren McFadden type player, I think that is just awesome. He has such a rare combination of size & speed matched with his tremendous vision, it would almost be a waste to have him at WR. He wouldn't be allowed to use those skills nearly as much if he's only catching, then running. Give him the ball from the line of scrimmage with a chance to find the hole & set up his blocks.

Maybe he gets 5 carries or so a game, but we already have plenty of capable running backs if everyone is healthy.

[slammer]

Agreed, if Harper is willing to try out as a RB damn by all means LETS DO IT!!!

[dthomas=ddixon]

I absolutetly LOVE the thought of Harper at RB. Part of me has been kinda hoping BB wouldn't come so we could use Harper there. MB has said that they will use him as a Darren McFadden type player, I think that is just awesome. He has such a rare combination of size & speed matched with his tremendous vision, it would almost be a waste to have him at WR. He wouldn't be allowed to use those skills nearly as much if he's only catching, then running. Give him the ball from the line of scrimmage with a chance to find the hole & set up his blocks.

Maybe he gets 5 carries or so a game, but we already have plenty of capable running backs if everyone is healthy.

He could definitely get more than that. After Blount, who has done more than Harper? In my mind Harper is the next best option in terms of experience & time being on the field. Alston needs to come back from a broken ankle & Crenshaw had already gotten beat out by alston & was way down the depth chart. LaJames could be a stud & I hope he is but what has he done? Won a few scout team "player of the weeks"? I think a 4 headed attack of Blount, Harper, Alston/James would be great. Two power backs, one with a little more quickness in Harper & a combination of Alston & James to take care off the speed end of it.

[duckgrad99]

So is everyone ready to forget about Lamichael James then? Provided he is healthy, he should split time with Blount. Also, take a look at the yards per carry for Alston last year. I think the running backs we have are definitely capable of getting the job done. Harper made a few amazing catches as a wide receiver last season, and we already need help at that position.

[dthomas=ddixon]

So is everyone ready to forget about Lamichael James then? Provided he is healthy, he should split time with Blount. Also, take a look at the yards per carry for Alston last year. I think the running backs we have are definitely capable of getting the job done. Harper made a few amazing catches as a wide receiver last season, and we already need help at that position.

Like I said, I hope & think he will be a stud next year BUT what has he done? he hasn;t even set foot on the field yet. No one is forgetting about him because we haven't even seen him yet.

[duckgrad99]

Like I said, I hope & think he will be a stud next year BUT what has he done? he hasn;t even set foot on the field yet. No one is forgetting about him because we haven't even seen him yet.[/quote]


I'm all for Harper seeing the field as much as possible. At the same time, I'm very confident in Lamichael James abilities.

[Mops]

Mac, its funny you bring this up as I was thinking abot this as well.

I dont think Harper will have a true position over his entire time at Oregon. He will rotate between RB, WR, and a modified version of H-Back where he gets carries and pitches from that position.

Last spring when Harper was in town early he actually had a few practices at RB due to injuries and sickness. He was a huge success as I remember the entire Mo Center being in awe of his power and speedy at RB. Ran over a few guys and broke some long runs in live action.

I think he will rotate between WR and RB all spring and for the rest of his season. He won't have any spectacular type stats but when you look at his entire season's production he will have a great season with his all purpose yards.

[ducksin2010]

I agree in giving the ball to Harper a lot next year. If we don't sign a RB I will be ok because i am stoked for LaMichael. It is easy to forget about a redshirt when it is recruiting season, but he is going to be GOOD.

[duckgrad99]

I realize that stars and rankings aren't everything, but James was ranked ahead of Jacquizz Rodgers. Look what Rodgers did in his freshman year, and their system isn't as good as the ducks.

[dthomas=ddixon]

I'm pretty sure Quiznos got more carries than he had yards. I was not at all impressed. Any other halway decent RB gets that many carries & he's over 2,000 yrds. It's all hypre from the SC game, I'm not buying it.

[MacDuck]

I realize that stars and rankings aren't everything, but James was ranked ahead of Jacquizz Rodgers. Look what Rodgers did in his freshman year, and their system isn't as good as the ducks.

I don't doubt what your saying re James as the coaching staff is excited about his future. However, next season, if Harper isn't used at RB, then we're counting on Blount, who hasn't been an every down back and an unproven LJ, though he may end up very good. Crenshaw and Alston are back-up type runners who aren't going to be major players in this offense.

I am hoping that possibly one of the reasons they haven't pursued another RB besides Brown is they know they have Harper in their hip pocket if needed. We've all watched CH play WR, though he's certainly athletic, he simply looks out of place there. He seems to play like he's somewhat lost or disjointed. I really hope they give him some ample time at RB this Spring. We need another power type back after Blount and he only has this one season left. Groom CH to be the next power back and guys like James and Grant offer a ton as the smaller speed guys.

[dthomas=ddixon]

I realize that stars and rankings aren't everything, but James was ranked ahead of Jacquizz Rodgers. Look what Rodgers did in his freshman year, and their system isn't as good as the ducks.

I don't doubt what your saying re James as the coaching staff is excited about his future. However, next season, if Harper isn't used at RB, then we're counting on Blount, who hasn't been an every down back and an unproven LJ, though he may end up very good. Crenshaw and Alston are back-up type runners who aren't going to be major players in this offense.

I am hoping that possibly one of the reasons they haven't pursued another RB besides Brown is they know they have Harper in their hip pocket if needed. We've all watched CH play WR, though he's certainly athletic, he simply looks out of place there. He seems to play like he's somewhat lost or disjointed. I really hope they give him some ample time at RB this Spring. We need another power type back after Blount and he only has this one season left. Groom CH to be the next power back and guys like James and Grant offer a ton as the smaller speed guys.

I recently watched all the coaches shows over again & like you said, Harper looks really out of place at WR. Like he just doesn't belong out wide. I completely agree with your thought about the coaches knowing they have him in their hip pocket. Blount is only here for one more year & we don't have any poer backs left on the roster. Groom Harper into that role & he would be dynamite, IMO.