#15- Lache Seastrunk/ Tailback/ Oregon Ducks/ Redshirt Freshman
Two years ago, the dynamic running back tandem of LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner electrified the nation as they finished in the top 10 in rushing offense. That success continued last season as the Ducks ran up the stat lines and scoreboards week after week. The only defenses that had success against Oregon last season were California, who played the ducks very strong at home in November but couldn't find offense when they needed it most, losing 15-13, and Auburn, who beat Oregon in the National Championship game 22-19. The Ducks have graduated two starting wide receivers this season, Jeff Maehl, and D.J Davis, and a few pivotal starting lineman with experience, including Center Jordan Holmes . The offense will need to replace these starters, but other than those losses, everybody returns including star running back James, and quarterback Darron Thomas, who will be a junior and 2nd year starter in 2011.
The tandem of James and Barner was given a gift last season as Temple, TX star running back and #3 RB recruit, Lache Seastrunk joined the duo. The ducks had the luxury of James and Barner last season, and decided smartly to redshirt Seastrunk, giving him a year to learn and comprehend the fast, up-tempo, never stop offense ran by 3rd year head coach Chip Kelly.
The Ducks are coming off of back to back PAC -10 championships as they enter the inaugural year of the expanded and newly named PAC -12. The Ducks do not play new member Utah, or long time PAC-10 nemesis UCLA, giving them a favorable schedule in '11.
If Seastrunk picks up the offense, he has the talent to jump Barner on the depth chart to backup and spell LaMichael James if the Heisman Trophy candidate needs rest or gets injured. This could be a three headed monster for Oregon if Seastrunk quits running horizontally, and hits the inside gaps left open on the Option read that Gang Green runs to perfection. I expect Seastrunk to make a splash in his first year on the turf at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, and a 3rd straight conference championship for this very talented and unique Oregon team.
Article: Ronald Hill
Photo: courtesy of goducks.com
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