Oregon Ducks
Replacing Joey Harrington on the field is near impossible and
they most likely will not have a first day draft choice next April, unless Onterio
Smith declares himself eligible. The transfer from Tennessee lit it up last
year in a reserve role, displaying the abilities to be a complete running back.
Smith is fast, shifty and effective carrying the ball on the inside or outside
of tackle. Running with great balance, Smith has a tremendous burst through the
hole and makes defenders miss at the line or in the open field. He is also a
solid receiver out of the backfield, which will have teams overlooking his lack
of ideal size for a feature runner. This year Smith is the man and will be asked
to carry the offense; if he succeeds it could mean a top 45 pick next April
should he leave for the draft. Receiver Keenan Howry is a speedster that’s
produced for the Ducks since he was a sophomore. Howry has developed his game
and is slowly becoming a complete wide out that does the little things well. He
has a slight build and cannot make the difficult catch against bigger opponents,
which translates to Howry being a slot receiver at the next level and reduces
his chances of landing in the drafts first day. Junior Sammie Parker is
similar to Howry and a solid prospect for the future if he takes his game tom
the next level. Right tackle Corey Chambers, an athletic lineman with
good footwork, has really improved his game and is a prospect that could project
to the weak-side if you don’t mind a "short" blind-side tackle. He
is one of the few senior that could land in the first three rounds April of
2003.
The top prospects on defense are both underclassmen. Safety Keith
Lewis is a top-athlete that displays excellent range from deep centerfield,
has the size/speed numbers to play the position and is effective against either
the pass or run. Likewise Kevin Mitchell is a total linebacker and
constantly forcing the play, regardless of whether the ball is in the air or on
the ground. A bit undersized, Mitchell is built more like a strong safety, which
may be his best position at the next level. Middle linebacker David Morretti
is a solid run-stuffer but undersized and will garner only late round
consideration.