Which Duck Surprises people

[dthomas=ddixon]

I think Pleasant is a great pick. Remember, he started at least once last year & played very well. There was almost no drop-off from Paysinger to him (I think that's who he filled in for, I could be wrong though).

I would go with Pleasant on Defense & either DJ Davis or Harper on Offense. I think no matter who it is, there will be one WR that has a big year simply because Masoli's passing will be much better. Whoever steps up to be that go-to guy for Masoli will put up some big numbers.

[BisonDucks]

Harper already showed a flair for the dramatic as a true fresman. See: three yard pass for a TD against ASU and diving grab before half time against UCLA. Versatility + Raw Athletic Ability + Chip Kelley + a little time = SUCCESS.

I know people are enamored by Pleasant's 40 time but remember there is going to be a lot of rotation at outside linebacker with the depth. I was debating whether to pick Bair or Matthews at MLB. The latter is a steady eddy that will play a lot of downs.

[duckfan96]

My pick...is on D Bair or Littlejohn and on Offense..Diante

[midwestduck82]

Bair on defense

Crenshaw on offense

[wheaton4prez]

I could see Harper being dangerous on a mini-reverse play from the slot position.

[GoDucksIn09]

I think Eddie Pleasant is a good pick on defense and would concur on defense think he will be one that catches peoples attention. I really liked starting this thread as it has been nice reading who people think will make impact next year that outside of Oregon they might not know about. Some I have to admit are bold picks. Not at all saying are wrong as I am hoping some of them make an impact. When it comes to the receivers.. I hope we see a steady improvement on them catching the ball. The last 2 years that has been one of our main nemesis when it comes to our passing game.

[HugeInTheEug]

I was going to say Bair and Pleasant as well, but since those two have been said, I'll throw out Jordan Holmes and Kenny Rowe.

[Juice]

I'm staying away from this topic. Last year I picked Nate Costa, Terrance Pritchett, and Todd Doxey.

lol, wow...

[duckduckgoose]

I'm staying away from this topic. Last year I picked Nate Costa, Terrance Pritchett, and Todd Doxey.

lol, wow...

Gonna try and stay on Stewbertwilloughby's good side... sounds like he has CONNECTIONS! LMAO

[ducks1311]

I think (hope) Jamere Holland is this years surprise... Even though there was a lot of hype surrounding this guy, and he is a projected starter, he would still be a surprise because he had such a disappointing season last year, but he did show flurries of good things towards the end. I think if he gets rolling on offense and special teams (returns) he could have a break out year for the ducks and become a scoreboard changer in the style of Percy Harvin! He is the fastest guy on the team! This would be a surprise, but a pleasant one!

[jimmyg]

I think (hope) Jamere Holland is this years surprise... Even though there was a lot of hype surrounding this guy, and he is a projected starter, he would still be a surprise because he had such a disappointing season last year, but he did show flurries of good things towards the end. I think if he gets rolling on offense and special teams (returns) he could have a break out year for the ducks and become a scoreboard changer in the style of Percy Harvin! He is the fastest guy on the team! This would be a surprise, but a pleasant one!

I am with you on Jamerre Holland. He is the perfect replacement for what Terence Scott did for us last year, with more speed, and from what I have read, maybe better hands as well. If he gets his mind right and stays dedicated, he could really break out, no reason why he shouldn’t get at least 35-40 catches next year, with some deep balls in there, which isn’t bad considering all the weapons we have in place. With a senior year to follow that could be quite special.

[wheaton4prez]

I don't feel like I ever got the full story as to why Holland didn't get very many looks in the first place.

Did someone ever come out and explain why he wasn't utilized much beyond an occasional reverse? Maybe I missed that...

I also like the "picking surprises" exercise. It's the type of thing fans are supposed to busy themselves with, imo. I think the sheer number of names mentioned here indicates how many players with upside potential are on the roster. It's an exciting time to be a Duck!

[Duckxing]

I don't feel like I ever got the full story as to why Holland didn't get very many looks in the first place.

Did someone ever come out and explain why he wasn't utilized much beyond an occasional reverse? Maybe I missed that...

I also like the "picking surprises" exercise. It's the type of thing fans are supposed to busy themselves with, imo. I think the sheer number of names mentioned here indicates how many players with upside potential are on the roster. It's an exciting time to be a Duck!

Holland initially had problems with the playbook, and also wasn't putting in the effort during practice. He picked things up after a meeting with the coaches during the prep for the Holiday bowl.

[dthomas=ddixon]

I don't feel like I ever got the full story as to why Holland didn't get very many looks in the first place.

Did someone ever come out and explain why he wasn't utilized much beyond an occasional reverse? Maybe I missed that...

I also like the "picking surprises" exercise. It's the type of thing fans are supposed to busy themselves with, imo. I think the sheer number of names mentioned here indicates how many players with upside potential are on the roster. It's an exciting time to be a Duck!

Holland initially had problems with the playbook, and also wasn't putting in the effort during practice. He picked things up after a meeting with the coaches during the prep for the Holiday bowl.

Yep, the coaches sat him down towards the end of the year & pretty much told him to either start giving his all or leave the team because he was just going thru the motions. The coaches said he definitely changed his attitude after that & showed marked improvement.

[duckduckgoose]

I think (hope) Jamere Holland is this years surprise... Even though there was a lot of hype surrounding this guy, and he is a projected starter, he would still be a surprise because he had such a disappointing season last year, but he did show flurries of good things towards the end. I think if he gets rolling on offense and special teams (returns) he could have a break out year for the ducks and become a scoreboard changer in the style of Percy Harvin! He is the fastest guy on the team! This would be a surprise, but a pleasant one!

If playing wide receiver was a straight line footrace, I think Holland would be a great choice. I think his problem is he doesn't have football smarts or at least the acumen to get open or run away from the other team. Just watching his kick returns last season showed me that all too clearly.