Oregon Ducks All-Time Team

QB- Dennis Dixon (2004-2007) – The first thing I think about when Dixon’s name is brought up reminds me of the hardships and adversity that he overcame to become a Pittsburgh Steeler, and among the top All-time quarterbacks for the Oregon Ducks. In this List of greats, he is #1 at the position and I will tell you why.

Dixon left Eugene with career numbers of 5,129 yards passing and 38 touchdowns in the air, and 1,208 with 12 scores on the ground.  I had season tickets for 18 beautiful years of taking in every sense that was around in Eugene each Saturday for half of my life, and Dixon’s 4 years were magical. As my #1 quarterback in school history, Dixon beat out Dan Fouts, Kellen Clemens, Darron Thomas and Joey Harrington; all because 2007 evolved the program to what it is in 2012. The team winning percentage and prestige level would still be around the same as their rival up north, had Dixon not started a new trend, both on the field and recruiting.

RB LaMichael James-(2009-2011) Unless I have been sleeping in a cave for 3 years, I won’t compare any Oregon tailback to the flash and field vision of running back LaMichael James. Statistically, there has never been a more productive back than James in his 3 years on campus. Jonathan Stewart comes close as does Jeremiah Johnson, and Derek Loville.

Sorry fans, but one name cuts this list. I have never seen anything like Lamike in person. James runs are like classical music, something beautiful is present when he plays.  He starts off slow in games, but eventually, by each game, James played calm, with astonishing agility and a high football I.Q.   He was a freshman all-American, and rushed for over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns.  He finished his 3 year career as a Duck with 4,814 yards and 52 touchdowns.  He also:

-Played in 3 BCS games in 4 years, and was a 2 time Heisman trophy finalist.

-Became the Ducks all time leader in many running categories including rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, yards per game, yards per carry, etc..

– Projected 3^rd round NFL Draft pick this April.

WR-Demetrius Williams–2003-2006- When Williams was still at Oregon, the Ducks football program hadn’t crossed to the success they have now, but the team progressed year by year in the Mike Bellotti era.

Williams was a member of one of Bellotti’s best, late career recruiting classes, and put up gaudy numbers to end his career with school records, and a NFL career to follow.  Opposing fans would say Sammie Parker or Bob Newland would be #1, but I choose Williams simply cause the guy showed up every day and thoughts of worry were gone.  Demetrius was a very consistent wide out that made big plays, and performed record numbers under pressure situations routinely.  He also played the best in big situations.  Williams also had his peak season in 2005 with 59 receptions and 1,059 yards. Williams caught 162 balls with 20 career touchdowns. There are many players who could be strong candidates, so sorry Tony Hartley, Jaison, 50/50 Williams.

WR/ Scat Back- D’Anthony Thomas – The “Black Mamba” 2011- present

Black Mamba is possibly the best all around player in Ducks history (Sorry Ahmad Rashad). Mamba was the most electrifying players in the nation as a true freshman 2011.

In just one year he has amassed 440 yards and 5 touchdowns rushing, and added 42 receptions with 571 yards receiving and 9 touchdown grabs. He is so versatile that it’s guaranteed he will do something in each game he plays. Mamba is one of those prototypes that can do anything on the football field. Head coach Chip Kelly could not redshirt the talented back, which played both running back and receiver, as well as kick returned in his one year. Kelly needed Thomas in the game, so much to say, “kid, we can’t keep u on the bench, go line up at receiver.”He, without a doubt, is one of the most talented players in FBS college football. Regardless of classic, tradition, and competition, Thomas doesn’t back away, neither does Oregon, so it will be interesting to see the next two years of Chip Kelly managing DAT on the sidelines and in practices. Either way, I still think this kid is a baller, and is untouchable in open space with his blinding speed. Once he understands Kelly’s playbook, the more reps he will get.

TE- (Ed Dickson 2007-2009)- This was my toughest choice beside the quarterback decision. The good list left me to come down to -Justin Peele, Tim Day, Ed Dickson, George Wrighster, and Josh Wilcox.  For a hard list to choose, it didn’t take long to compile info on my #1 Tight End. Dickson left after his junior season, but he produced as if he was a man with his hair on fire, with 119 receptions, 12 total touchdowns, and 1,485 yards receiving.  Dickson, by consensus, should be Oregon’s all –time greatest tight end.

This list contains no offensive lineman, due to the lack of statistic building.