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

Today:

Wide receivers/tight ends

Plot lines:

The Ducks aim to find replacements for wide receiver Lavasier Tuinei, offensive MVP of the Rose Bowl, and tight end David Paulson, voted "co-most outstanding" player on team by his peers.

Leading men:

Oregon returns two starters at wide receiver, Josh Huff and Justin Hoffman. Running back/wide receiver De'Anthony Thomas led team in receiving yards (605) and had nine receiving touchdowns. Colt Lyerla is the top returning tight end.

Open auditions:

Oregon has 15 wide receivers on its roster and three freshmen on the way. Rahsaan Vaughn, Daryle Hawkins and Eric Dungy contributed last season. They must fend off a host of talented recruits, led by two 4-star wide receivers from the 2011 class, Devon Blackmon and Tacoi Sumler.

The script:

Wide receiver was arguably the weakest position on Oregon's offense last year, which partly explains why Thomas became the team's top big play threat. Along with Huff, the pair gives UO speed on the perimeter. But with LaMichael James moving on to the NFL, Thomas could be called on to perform more running back duties. The position desperately needs an infusion of go-to playmakers. Hoffman, slowed by concussions in 2011, is a good downfield blocker (important in UO's run-based offense) but lacks the speed to frighten defenses. Vaughn showed flashes but never established himself as a top-flight receiver. He will have another chance this year, as will Hawkins and Dungy. The intrigue is in a host of young receivers. Blackmon and Sumler have speed to burn. They redshirted last year along with classmate, B.J. Kelley, a top-notch track performer. Oregon signed three wide receivers this year, but they won't be on campus until the fall. Lyerla, a five-star recruit in 2011, caught seven passes for 147 yards and five touchdowns as Paulson's backup and would appear to have the starting position locked down. However, the Ducks signed two four-star tight ends in February that will jump into the mix in August.

Projected depth chart:

Wide Receiver

1

, 5-11, 207, Jr.. (Houston, Texas)

19

, 6-1, 183, So. (Tampa, Fla.)

7

, 5-9, 177, So. (Portland, Ore.)

92

, 6-1, 182, RFr. (Sherman Oaks, Calif.)

*NA

, 6-5, 185, Fr. (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Wide Receiver

6

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

81

, 6-1, 206, Sr. (Eugene)

16

, 6-4, 197, Jr. (Omaha, Neb.)

12

, 6-1, 177, RFr. (Fontana, Calif.)

23

, 6-2, 175, So. (Fresno, Calif.)

41

, 5-11, 202, So. (Los Angeles, Calif.)

*NA Bralon Addison, 5-10, 182, Fr. (Missouri City, Texas)

*NA Chance Allen, 6-3, 191, Fr. (Missouri City, Texas)

Wide Receiver

10

, 6-2, 192, Sr. (Oakland, Calif.

90

, 6-2, 183, Sr. (Albany)

88

, 5-9, 173, RFr. (Miami, Fla.)

91

, 5-9, 174, Jr. (North Pole, Alaska)

26

6-0,186, Jr. (Sherwood)

84

, 6-0, 181, Jr. (Elmira)

Tight End

32

, 6-5, 238, So. (Hillsboro)

86

, 6-3, 258, Jr. (Portland)

83

, 6-4, 245, So. (Eugene)

98

, 6-3, 210, So. (West Linn)

82

, 6-5, 236, RS Fr. (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

*NA

, 6-5, 225, Fr. (Aurora, Colo.)

*NA Pharaoh Brown, 6-6, 220, Fr. (Lyndhurst, Ohio)

* Freshmen not on campus until August.

Previous position previews

--Aaron Fentress

Follow @AaronJFentress