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Oregon Ducks Football: De’Anthony Thomas Has Been Named Preseason All-American Sophomore De’Anthony Thomas has been named a CBS All-American as a kick returner for the upcoming season. Thomas is the only player from Oregon to be named as a preseason All-American. Last season, LaMichael James was named as a preseason All-American at running back and Cliff Harris was named at CB. The kicker returner was Toledo’s Eric Page. On 30 returns in 2011-12, he compiled 703 yards and no touchdowns. His longest run was 68 yards. In his freshman year, Thomas caught 36 kick returns for a total of 983 yards. His average (27.31 yards per return) was significantly better than Page’s (23.43 yards per return) and he was an absolute difference maker all year long. Thomas has already been named to the watch list for the Walter Camp Award as well as the Maxwell Award, both given to the Player of the Year, and many have begun to wonder if leaving Thomas open to be hit in the backfield for a kick return is worth the risk of an injury. This, of course, prompted OregonLive.com to ask if opponents wold even bother to kick the ball to Thomas to begin with. At 5’9” and 170 lbs., Thomas is slightly more fragile at the position to be thrown around by linebackers. OregonLive continued to ask if Thomas is too valuable to return kicks to begin with. To quote reader Jason Curtis: I don’t think we should have [Thomas] returning kicks. Yes, he is the best on the team. But I think with the lack of depth at RB we shouldn’t risk it. Give him all his touches from RB and TZR positions. With as much speed … as we have on the team, I have to think there are other guys who can return the ball with not too much drop off. If he has another successful season, Thomas could be in contention for the Heisman Trophy by the time that the year is over.  The Oregon Ducks Pit Crew is very proud of De’Anthony Thomas and is incredibly excited to watch him play in the 2012-13 season. Do you think that it will be worth it to keep Thomas as a kick returner? Do you think his impact as a difference maker will help the Oregon Ducks on the offensive side of the ball this season? As always, the Oregon Ducks pit Crew is interested in hearing your opinion. #GoDucks!
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Oregon Ducks Football: De’Anthony Thomas Has Been Named Preseason All-American

Sophomore De’Anthony Thomas has been named a CBS All-American as a kick returner for the upcoming season.

Thomas is the only player from Oregon to be named as a preseason All-American. Last season, LaMichael James was named as a preseason All-American at running back and Cliff Harris was named at CB. The kicker returner was Toledo’s Eric Page. On 30 returns in 2011-12, he compiled 703 yards and no touchdowns. His longest run was 68 yards.

In his freshman year, Thomas caught 36 kick returns for a total of 983 yards. His average (27.31 yards per return) was significantly better than Page’s (23.43 yards per return) and he was an absolute difference maker all year long.

Thomas has already been named to the watch list for the Walter Camp Award as well as the Maxwell Award, both given to the Player of the Year, and many have begun to wonder if leaving Thomas open to be hit in the backfield for a kick return is worth the risk of an injury.

This, of course, prompted OregonLive.com to ask if opponents wold even bother to kick the ball to Thomas to begin with. At 5’9” and 170 lbs., Thomas is slightly more fragile at the position to be thrown around by linebackers.

OregonLive continued to ask if Thomas is too valuable to return kicks to begin with. To quote reader Jason Curtis:

I don’t think we should have [Thomas] returning kicks. Yes, he is the best on the team. But I think with the lack of depth at RB we shouldn’t risk it. Give him all his touches from RB and TZR positions. With as much speed … as we have on the team, I have to think there are other guys who can return the ball with not too much drop off.

If he has another successful season, Thomas could be in contention for the Heisman Trophy by the time that the year is over. 

The Oregon Ducks Pit Crew is very proud of De’Anthony Thomas and is incredibly excited to watch him play in the 2012-13 season.

Do you think that it will be worth it to keep Thomas as a kick returner? Do you think his impact as a difference maker will help the Oregon Ducks on the offensive side of the ball this season? As always, the Oregon Ducks pit Crew is interested in hearing your opinion. #GoDucks!

London Olympics 2012: Ashton Eaton Among Oregon Ducks Alumnus To Watch In Olympic Games Ashton Eaton highlights a list of Oregon Ducks that will be competing in the Olympics in London. As all Oregon Ducks fans know, the Olympics Trials are held in Eugene, Oregon. That’s where Eaton and the other athletes learned that they would be heading to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Known for producing world-class athletes, Track Town USA is one of the finest places to have Olympic aspirations. With the 2012 Olympics underway, it’s time to discuss some of the names to watch in the coming events. To earn his spot on the team, Ashton Eaton set a world record for the Decathlon on the turf of his alma matter. At 24, he is considered to be the favorite to win the decathlon this year and is also often dubbed “the world’s greatest athlete” by many. Eaton will compete for Gold on August 9th, 2012. Galen Rupp will be competing in the 10K and the 5K. The 26-year old runner from Portland is coming off of a trial in which he made two competitions and also broke a record previously held by Oregon legend Steve Prefontaine. He is considered to have better odds to win the 5K, which final will be held on August 11th. Matthew Centrowitz and Andrew Wheating will both be competing in the men’s 1500 meter. Becky Holliday will be representing Team USA in the pole vault. Cyrus Hostetler and Rachel Yurovich also made the cut for javelin.  Oregon Ducks alumnus that will not be playing for Team USA include Canadian representative in the heptathlon Brianne Theisen and Australian Zoe Buckman in the 15K. The Pit Crew is constantly impressed with how many world-class athletes the University of Oregon has produced and will be thrilled to root for these athletes in the coming weeks of the summer games. Congratulations to all involved! For a full list of the schedules for the athlete’s competition times, click here. Which Oregon Ducks will you be watching in the 2012 Olympics? Who do you think will win Gold? Will the Oregon Ducks alumni come away with more medals than any country? Which of these athletes is your favorite? 
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London Olympics 2012: Ashton Eaton Among Oregon Ducks Alumnus To Watch In Olympic Games

Ashton Eaton highlights a list of Oregon Ducks that will be competing in the Olympics in London.

As all Oregon Ducks fans know, the Olympics Trials are held in Eugene, Oregon. That’s where Eaton and the other athletes learned that they would be heading to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Known for producing world-class athletes, Track Town USA is one of the finest places to have Olympic aspirations. With the 2012 Olympics underway, it’s time to discuss some of the names to watch in the coming events.

To earn his spot on the team, Ashton Eaton set a world record for the Decathlon on the turf of his alma matter. At 24, he is considered to be the favorite to win the decathlon this year and is also often dubbed “the world’s greatest athlete” by many.

Eaton will compete for Gold on August 9th, 2012.

Galen Rupp will be competing in the 10K and the 5K. The 26-year old runner from Portland is coming off of a trial in which he made two competitions and also broke a record previously held by Oregon legend Steve Prefontaine.

He is considered to have better odds to win the 5K, which final will be held on August 11th.

Matthew Centrowitz and Andrew Wheating will both be competing in the men’s 1500 meter. Becky Holliday will be representing Team USA in the pole vault. Cyrus Hostetler and Rachel Yurovich also made the cut for javelin. 

Oregon Ducks alumnus that will not be playing for Team USA include Canadian representative in the heptathlon Brianne Theisen and Australian Zoe Buckman in the 15K.

The Pit Crew is constantly impressed with how many world-class athletes the University of Oregon has produced and will be thrilled to root for these athletes in the coming weeks of the summer games. Congratulations to all involved! For a full list of the schedules for the athlete’s competition times, click here.

Which Oregon Ducks will you be watching in the 2012 Olympics? Who do you think will win Gold? Will the Oregon Ducks alumni come away with more medals than any country? Which of these athletes is your favorite? 

Oregon Ducks Football: De’Anthony Thomas Named to Watch List of Walter Camp Award Sophomore running back De’Anthony Thomas has been named to the watch list for the Walter Camp Award, awarded to the best player in college football. Thomas joins Matt Barkley, Marcus Lattimore, Denard Robinson, Montee Ball, Tyrann Mathieu and Tyler Wilson among members of the 50 candidates on the watch list for the Walter Camp Award, the fourth-oldest college football accolade given to an individual. This is the last of the watch lists to be announced by the NCFAA. Thomas is also in consideration for the Maxwell Award, and was one of eight Oregon Ducks football players nominated to the watch list of one of the prestigious awards. To read the rest, click here. Founded in 1967 and named for the “Father of American Football”, past winners of the award include O.J. Simpson (2x), Tony Dorsett, Marcus Allen, Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, Tim Brown, Barry Sanders, Eddie George, Ricky Williams, Larry Fitzgerald, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, Darren McFadden, Colt McCoy (2x), Cam Newton and Andrew Luck. If Thomas were to be selected this year, he would still have his junior year and senior year to join Colt McCoy, O.J. Simpson and Archie Griffin as the only players who had ever received this award twice. What do you think of this honor for the young Oregon Ducks sensation? Do you think it’s a little too presumptuous and early in his career to be nominated for such an honor, or do you think the potential that he showed in the Rose Bowl was enough to merit such a statement? Was Kenjon Barner slighted by losing out to his “backup” or was the All-American receiver deserving? 
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Oregon Ducks Football: De’Anthony Thomas Named to Watch List of Walter Camp Award

Sophomore running back De’Anthony Thomas has been named to the watch list for the Walter Camp Award, awarded to the best player in college football.

Thomas joins Matt Barkley, Marcus Lattimore, Denard Robinson, Montee Ball, Tyrann Mathieu and Tyler Wilson among members of the 50 candidates on the watch list for the Walter Camp Award, the fourth-oldest college football accolade given to an individual.

This is the last of the watch lists to be announced by the NCFAA. Thomas is also in consideration for the Maxwell Award, and was one of eight Oregon Ducks football players nominated to the watch list of one of the prestigious awards. To read the rest, click here.

Founded in 1967 and named for the “Father of American Football”, past winners of the award include O.J. Simpson (2x), Tony Dorsett, Marcus Allen, Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, Tim Brown, Barry Sanders, Eddie George, Ricky Williams, Larry Fitzgerald, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, Darren McFadden, Colt McCoy (2x), Cam Newton and Andrew Luck.

If Thomas were to be selected this year, he would still have his junior year and senior year to join Colt McCoy, O.J. Simpson and Archie Griffin as the only players who had ever received this award twice.

What do you think of this honor for the young Oregon Ducks sensation? Do you think it’s a little too presumptuous and early in his career to be nominated for such an honor, or do you think the potential that he showed in the Rose Bowl was enough to merit such a statement? Was Kenjon Barner slighted by losing out to his “backup” or was the All-American receiver deserving? 

Oregon Ducks Football: Kenjon Barner Named To Watch List of Doak Walker Award Congratulations to Kenjon Barner, who the National College Football Award’s Association has added to the watch list for the Doak Walker Award. The award is given to the year’s most elite running back. Barner has previously been named as a candidate on the watch list for the Maxwell Award, awarded to the best player in college football. Barner joins a hefty list of teammates already nominated to prestigious watch lists, including John Boyett (Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award), Dion Jordan (Bednarik Award, Rotary Lombardi Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy), Jackson Rice (Ray Guy Award), Michael Clay (Rotary Lombardi Award), Carson York (Rotary Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy), De’Anthony Thomas (Maxwell Award) and Hroniss Grasu (Rimington Trophy). Past winners of the Doak Walker Award include Eddie George, LaDanian Tomlinson, Cedric Benson, Reggie Bush, Darren McFadden and and Trent Richardson. If awarded, Barner would join former teammate LaMichael James as the second Oregon player to ever receive this prestigious honor. Another win for the University of Oregon would solidify the program as one of the most impressive places for a running back to play in college football. Go Ducks!
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Oregon Ducks Football: Kenjon Barner Named To Watch List of Doak Walker Award

Congratulations to Kenjon Barner, who the National College Football Award’s Association has added to the watch list for the Doak Walker Award.

The award is given to the year’s most elite running back. Barner has previously been named as a candidate on the watch list for the Maxwell Award, awarded to the best player in college football.

Barner joins a hefty list of teammates already nominated to prestigious watch lists, including John Boyett (Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award), Dion Jordan (Bednarik Award, Rotary Lombardi Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy), Jackson Rice (Ray Guy Award), Michael Clay (Rotary Lombardi Award), Carson York (Rotary Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy), De’Anthony Thomas (Maxwell Award) and Hroniss Grasu (Rimington Trophy).

Past winners of the Doak Walker Award include Eddie George, LaDanian Tomlinson, Cedric Benson, Reggie Bush, Darren McFadden and and Trent Richardson.

If awarded, Barner would join former teammate LaMichael James as the second Oregon player to ever receive this prestigious honor. Another win for the University of Oregon would solidify the program as one of the most impressive places for a running back to play in college football.

Go Ducks!

Oregon Ducks Football: LaMichael James Would Like Help With Social Media, Offers Autograph For Your Services Oregon Ducks football legend LaMichael James took to Twitter to announce that he would give away an autograph if he go to 50K followers on his twitter. We would LOVE to help our favorite running back. Simply re-blog this and help LMJ. If you have any followers that aren’t following LaMike yet, now is the perfect time. “When I get to 50k I will give away a autograph …” And in the future, we can get even more great giveaways from LMJ, including a pair of signed cleats if he gets to 100 thousand followers. But he needs help.  The Pit Crew thinks it’s absolutely awesome that, upon his entrance into the NFL, James is asking for help to build his online brand and personality. He’s a compelling fellow to watch when you check into Twitter, and we highly recommend you give him a follow. To follow LaMichael James on Twitter, click this link!
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Oregon Ducks Football: LaMichael James Would Like Help With Social Media, Offers Autograph For Your Services

Oregon Ducks football legend LaMichael James took to Twitter to announce that he would give away an autograph if he go to 50K followers on his twitter.

We would LOVE to help our favorite running back. Simply re-blog this and help LMJ. If you have any followers that aren’t following LaMike yet, now is the perfect time.

“When I get to 50k I will give away a autograph …”

And in the future, we can get even more great giveaways from LMJ, including a pair of signed cleats if he gets to 100 thousand followers. But he needs help. 

The Pit Crew thinks it’s absolutely awesome that, upon his entrance into the NFL, James is asking for help to build his online brand and personality. He’s a compelling fellow to watch when you check into Twitter, and we highly recommend you give him a follow.

To follow LaMichael James on Twitter, click this link!

University of Oregon 2012: Which Oregon Athlete Would You Be Most Excited To See On The Freeway?

Steve Nash was handed a beer on the freeway from excited fans? Talk about college-like enthusiasm.

On a freeway in Los Angeles, a car full of sports fans freaked out to find Lakers point guard Steve Nash riding in the neighboring vehicle.

To show their approval of the arrival of the point guard in their city, these overjoyed fans pulled closer to the car and offered Steve Nash a beer. An actual unopened (and unglamorous) Keystone Light. Quite an assist to the legendary playmaker who is growing accustomed to the Los Angeles lifestyle.

Jeez, Ducks fans! These guys are starting to sound like Oregon students tailgating the morning of Game Day.

Nash graciously accepted the peace token, filming the entire encounter, and turned to the camera to thank the city for being so hospitable. Quite a moment for beer-drinking sports fans everywhere. This got the Pit Crew thinking.

Our question for this afternoon: which Oregon Ducks player (past or present) would YOU be most excited to greet on the freeway with a beer? 

Suggestions: Joey Harrington? The legendary Steve Prefontane? De’Anthony “Black Mamba” Thomas? Cliff Harris? LaMichael James? 

Oregon Ducks Pit Crew:  Shirt Idea Submitted By Tumblr User and Oregon Ducks fan Quack Addict One thing that the Oregon Ducks Pit Crew loves about our new social media platform is the ease at which we can hear from Oregon fans. Our first post comes from a fan named Quack Addict. “They should make a yellow Pit Crew Shirt as well as a green shirt. It would take alot of planning, but we could get it so that every person was a different color to the person sitting next to them. If the Pit Crew is intimidating now, imagine it in checkered green and yellow.” -Quack Addict Thank you for your submission, Quack Addict! What do you guys think of the idea? Do you think it would work? Would fans be more likely to want to come to the games? How would an opposing team feel about the vibrant greens and yellows of the crowd? When would we enact the idea? Historically, the Pit Crew is known for wearing all yellow. Do you think that this would this be an improvement?
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Oregon Ducks Pit Crew:  Shirt Idea Submitted By Tumblr User and Oregon Ducks fan Quack Addict

One thing that the Oregon Ducks Pit Crew loves about our new social media platform is the ease at which we can hear from Oregon fans.

Our first post comes from a fan named Quack Addict.

“They should make a yellow Pit Crew Shirt as well as a green shirt. It would take alot of planning, but we could get it so that every person was a different color to the person sitting next to them. If the Pit Crew is intimidating now, imagine it in checkered green and yellow.” -Quack Addict

Thank you for your submission, Quack Addict! What do you guys think of the idea? Do you think it would work? Would fans be more likely to want to come to the games? How would an opposing team feel about the vibrant greens and yellows of the crowd? When would we enact the idea? Historically, the Pit Crew is known for wearing all yellow. Do you think that this would this be an improvement?

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