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41 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, December 16, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend June 15, 2004 University of Oregon football coach Mike Bellotti, left, and Warren Cooper survey a drive in their five-man grouping from the first tee at Rogue Valley Country Club. Bellotti was in Medford on Monday for the annual Duffin� Fore Ducks golf tournament. Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli Ducks have reason to smile Bevy of returners and highly rated freshman class excite Bellotti about coming campaign By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune A grin creeped across Mike Bellotti’s face when asked about his latest University of Oregon football recruiting class. The coach, who had just stepped off the 18th hole at Rogue Valley Country Club, has reason to smile. His incoming freshman class is the most highly rated group in his nine seasons with the Ducks. "They definitely are something special," he said. Bellotti took time away from the Duffin’ Fore the Ducks golf tournament on Monday to discuss his team three months before it embarks on a highly anticipated campaign. Entering his 10th season — the longest tenure of any current Pac-10 coach — Bellotti returns eight starters from an explosive offense and seven defensive starters. Advertisement But it’s the group of freshmen that has Bellotti excited about this year and those to come. "We were very, very pleased with this group," said Bellotti, who has amassed a 75-23 record while at Oregon. "We feel like they give us something we can utilize right away, because a lot of them could step in and see some playing time. "We know they come in as very talented players. Now it’s up to myself and the coaches to make sure they keep improving." Wide receiver Cameron Colvin highlights the list of 23 newcomers. The 6-foot-2, 193-pounder from prep juggernaut De La Salle High School was a five-star recruit, according to most publications. Colvin narrowed his list of potential schools down to Michigan, Southern California and Oregon, before deciding on the Ducks in a nationally televised press conference. "I had an inkling that he’d choose us," said Bellotti in the days leading up to the early-February announcement. "I don’t know if he even knew for sure until that day." Colvin could see time early on a strong, yet somewhat untested receiving corps, that has to replace Samie Parker, who was a fourth-round selection by the Kansas City Chiefs in April’s NFL draft. Defensively, the Ducks also welcome North Medford lineman David Faaeteete to a much-maligned unit. Faaeteete, the Class 4A defensive player of the year, joins a strong but thin line that lost key contributors Igor Olshansky and Junior Siavii to the NFL draft. Even without Haloti Ngata, who went down with a season-ending knee injury just one game into the season, Oregon was strong against the run. The Ducks allowed a little more than 100 yards per game on the ground, but the young secondary was scorched for 259 yards a contest — mainly against pass-happy Pac-10 squads. Freshman defensive backs Willie Glasper and Jackie Bates, both of De La Salle, will see plenty of action in the blitzing defensive schemes of coordinator Nick Aliotti. "We did some good things on defense last season," said Bellotti. "And we picked up some guys that we think can see a lot of time right away." Oregon essentially played two different seasons last year. The Ducks started the season 4-0 — including a 31-27 over Michigan — but then lost three straight by a margin of 131-43 and finished the year 8-5. It was the emergence of quarterback Kellen Clemens over the final four games that helped right the ship. The Burns native split time with Jason Fife for much of last season, but looked poised and ready after taking over full-time duties. "We are absolutely comfortable with Kellen," said Bellotti of his junior signal-caller. "He’s a winner and a great leader. We expect to see significant improvement from him this season." The senior-laden offensive line isn’t a concern, but who’s lining up behind Clemens may be one of the Ducks’ biggest question marks. While junior running back Terrence Whitehead could see the most significant time, the addition of Terrell Jackson, a SuperPrep All-American, will be key. Jackson, a 5-9, 188-pound speedster, is the game-breaking back Oregon missed last season. "Initially, it’ll be somewhat of a committee back there," said Bellotti, who has four or five different tailback options. "Terrence had some big carries for us last year. "Terrell could see a lot of action. He’s definitely a very explosive back." The youngsters may not get a lot of time to grow with the Ducks’ early season slate. Oregon, which has a No. 23 preseason ranking by Lindy’s magazine, opens Sept. 11 with a home game against Indiana. But a road game against Oklahoma looms the following Saturday. The 2001 national champion Sooners lost in the BCS title game last season and return Heisman Trophy winner Jason White to a loaded squad. "It’s an exceptional challenge," said Bellotti. "Anytime you get to play a national champion ... it’s an amazing opportunity for our program." Oregon hasn’t had a losing season since 1993, and, with the newest crop of Ducks, that string doesn’t appear likely to end anytime soon. Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities