A position-by-position preview of what to expect when the Oregon Ducks open spring practice April 3.



Today: Running backs

Plot lines:

It's finally Kenjon Barner's show after LaMichael James elects to enter the 2012 NFL Draft. Is depth a concern?



Leading men:

Barner, a senior next season, has rushed for 1,856 yards on 304 carries with 20 touchdowns over three years as a backup while averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. Sophomore De'Anthony Thomas produced 595 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground with just 55 carries (10.8 yards per carry).

Open auditions:

The transfer of 2011 freshman Tra Carson could mean that Oregon will rely heavily on incoming freshman Byron Marshall to provide depth. He won't be on campus until August. Walk-on Ayele Forde rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns last year and could be a factor in 2012.

The script:

Jonathan Stewart, Jeremiah Johnson, LeGarrette Blount and LaMichael James all flourished in Oregon's spread-option. Now it's Barner's time to shine. Some NFL scouts view him as a better NFL prospect than James because of his better size. Although Barner might lack James' breakaway speed, he certainly isn't slow and is a good enough receiver to have played some slot in his time at UO. The question is can he handle the workload as the No. 1 back? All signs point to yes given that when injuries sidelined James Barner flourished. The problem for UO could be its lack of depth. Thomas certainly will warrant more carries this season but he's a bit on the small side to expect to carry too much more of a load should Barner go down. Plus, Thomas was the Ducks most dangerous pass catcher in 2011, catching 46 passes for 6-5 yards and nine touchdowns. That leaves two walk-ons and Marshall as the primary depth at the position. Oregon entered last fall with questions about the No. 3 running back and Thomas emerged as an impact player. The same could be asked or Marshall when he arrives.

Projected depth chart:

24

, 5-11, 180, Sr. (Riverside, Calif.)

6

, 5-9, 173, So. (Los Angeles, Calif.)

33

, 5-7, 179, So. (Victorville, Calif.)

31

5-9, 175, So. (Beverly Hills, Calif.)

17

, 5-7, 170, R Fr. (Portland).

NA Byron Marshall, 5-10, 195, Fr. (San Jose, Calif.)

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--Aaron Fentress

Follow @AaronJFentress