With Masoli out of the picture, QB Darron Thomas (#1) is set to lead his team
In the post-Masoli era, it looks like Eugene found its new triggerman much to the satisfaction of the Oregon faithful. Yesterday, QB Darron Thomas was named the starting quarterback for the Oregon Ducks. Thomas was in a heated QB battle with fifth year senior Nate Costa that lasted all preseason. Fans were getting antsy as to who would be their starter when the season kicks off September 4th against the Lobos.
Coach Chip Kelly opted for the red-shirt sophomore because of his mobility and fancy footwork à la Jeremiah Masoli. Kelly historically favors scrambling quarterbacks with the likes of Masoli and Dennis Dixon. Costa, who is coming off of 3 knee surgeries and only one start in his career, is more of a pure pocket passer with a strong arm but bricks for feet that doesn’t really complement Kelly’s game plan.
QB Thomas does bring some game experience to the table. In 2008, he played in five games going 16 of 33 for 268 yards and 3 TDs. He red-shirted his 2009 season which provided him more time to prepare mentally and physically for the starting role.
As the new-look Ducks enter the 2010 season with no dominate Pac-10 team in place, anything less than a Rose Bowl for Thomas and Oregon will be a disappointment.
