Young Duck receivers need to step up

Along with three starting offensive linemen, the Ducks had their two most productive wide receivers finish their collegiate careers in the BCS national title game. Jeff Maehl and D.J. Davis combined for over 100 receptions, over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2011.

"I think everybody in the receiving group is excited for the challenge," said receivers coach Scott Frost. "We lost our two leaders and we lost two big play makers for the offense. It's going to be a big challenge for us to find people to step up and make sure we can fill that void."

Oregon does return experienced senior Lavasier Tuinei and sophomore Josh Huff. But after those two wide-outs, the Ducks don't a have wide receiver with more than four receptions from last year.

"It's up to vets like me, L.T. and (Justin) Hoffman to step up and carry the receiving group and help them learn the ropes just like we did last year," said Huff.

Former Churchill stand-out Justin Hoffman played in 11 games in 2010, backing up Davis, but he caught just three passes all season.

"Game times are a lot different than practice," said Hoffman. "To get that game experience helped me get more comfortable in the offense and just getting on the field."

Coach Frost may go to a committee approach at the wide-out position in 2011.

"We talk about in our room about feeling good at any time that we can put anybody in our receiving room on the field and they'd be able to execute," said Frost. "So, from the top to the bottom we need guys to step in and fill the role those two left."

If all goes well, the young Ducks may collectively replace the production of Maehl and Davis.