Ducks in pads for third spring practice

Eugene, Ore.— The intensity picked up a little on Friday at Oregon practice as the Ducks were in pads for the first time this spring.

It was the first time coaches got a good look at a suddenly depleted back field.

With the departure of LaMichael James and Tra Carson, head coach Chip Kelly said he expects sophomore De'Anthony Thomas to get more carries this season.

"He's got a second year in our program, a second year of understanding what we're doing,” said Kelly.  “We can add more things, things we thought about doing last year but said, ‘Hey that's a little bit too much on his plate.'”

Thomas said he has gained a ‘couple’ of pounds this off season and plans to add ‘seven to eight’ more during the summer.

"I want to just help out the offense,” said Thomas.  “Just contribute, that's what I want to do to the offense.  Just contribute.  Just help out our offense."

The Pac-12 freshman of the year rushed for more than 10-yards per carry on 55-attempts last season.

“We'd be crazy if we didn't get him the ball more,” said Kelly.

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