Marcus Mariota is off to the NFL, and while he will be forever missed in Eugene, the Oregon Ducks have never been a one-man operation. There's still plenty to be excited about heading into next season at Autzen, as the Ducks set their sights on a second-straight College Football Playoff berth. Here are three reasons why they can improve on last season's finish and win the national championship:
1) Jeff Lockie/Vernon Adams
Lockie took a star turn in the spring game, completing all nine of his passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 35-29 victory for his side. The junior signal caller may not have the size or wheels that Mariota has, but he's already showing himself as a worthy leader for the offense going forward.
He's competing for the starting job with transfer Vernon Adams, who was an absolute monster during his three years at Eastern Washington, throwing for 10,438 yards and 110 scores while adding 1,282 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
Oregon will be in excellent hands no matter who is taking the snaps under center.
2) Charles Nelson - a two-way star in the making
When Charles Nelson wasn't catching touchdown passes for the offense during the spring game, he was shadowing other wideouts and snagging an interception on defense. Nelson has so much talent that he can't be contained to one side of the ball, and there's plenty here to suggest that he'll be the next great two-way star in college football.
3) The defenses is getting it
Don Pellum's second year as Ducks defensive coordinator is off to a good start, as the defense looked both aggressive and prepared in implementing his schemes during the spring game. With a wealth of talent at his disposal and kids who are just dying to learn, this defense could be the difference between a good year and a memorable run to a national title.
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