Chris Harper

by travissimmo on Jan 1, 2009 10:50 PM PST

More of a discussion prompt than an actual post, but is there any chance we see Harper at RB next season? I think he'd make a better RB than a WR, and the idea of a backfield with him backing up LGB gives me goosebumps.

via media.scout.com

But I was in Wichita last month to see family, and a lot of people over there are under the belief that Harper would return to K State if he had a chance to start at QB (especially with the return of Snyder). Thoughts?

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I think a transfer is a possibility

There has been some talk since mid-December about the possibility of Harper making the transfer to K-State – it was, after all, his first school of choice.

Here is the original Kansas City Star story that really got people talking.

Now, Harper tells Moseley:

"I would be a liar if I said I never thought about it," Harper said as the Ducks resumed Holiday Bowl preparations in the Moshofsky Center on Thursday. "But I never said I am (transferring), to anybody. … That was the point I was trying to get out."

This, to me, leaves the door wide open, and he doesn’t seem to concerned with convincing anyone he’s not transfering – only that he didn’t tell anyone he was transferring. That is, after all “the point [he] was trying to get out.”

He also seems to bag on Oregon (the state, not the school) and Eugene in the KC Star story.

by Pac10Rivalry on Jan 2, 2009 12:08 AM PST reply actions

I think a transfer is a possibility

There has been some talk since mid-December about the possibility of Harper making the transfer to K-State – it was, after all, his first school of choice.

Here is the original Kansas City Star story that really got people talking.

Now, Harper tells Moseley:

“I would be a liar if I said I never thought about it,” Harper said as the Ducks resumed Holiday Bowl preparations in the Moshofsky Center on Thursday. “But I never said I am (transferring), to anybody. … That was the point I was trying to get out.”

This, to me, leaves the door wide open, and he doesn’t seem to concerned with convincing anyone he’s not transfering – only that he didn’t tell anyone he was transferring. That is, after all "the point [he] was trying to get out."

He also seems to bag on Oregon (the state, not the school) and Eugene in the KC Star story.

No offense intended, but until Harper says flat-out, that he’s transferring, it’s nothing but perpetuating hearsay.

If you aren’t into outdoors sort of stuff, Eugene/Oregon is boring. He’s one of the most gifted athletes Oregon’s had, and I would think the coaches are going to do what they can to keep him here.

I don’t think there is a future for him as starting QB. Maybe if we had another spell of injuries, I’d say “Go for it”, and maybe let him take some snaps in practice. He’s a young guy, and can learn a lot, but I see him more of a multi-utilitarian athlete.

I don’t see him being a huge value to any other school as a QB either. He has years of fundamental work on his throwing motion, and needs better vision down field. Junior or Senior year, maybe he could compete for QB, but if he wanted any chance to move into the NFL, he would be a more natural fit as a RB, WR, or even a TE.

It's spelled ""S-H-U-Y-O-U-V-E-D-O-N-E-S-O-M-E-N-I-C-E-T-H-I-N-G-S-W-I-T-H-T-H-E-P-L-A-C-E"

by JShufelt on Jan 2, 2009 9:47 AM PST up reply actions

I hear what you're saying

But Harper never denies that he’s NOT transferring either. (at least that he’s not thinking about it)

But why even think about it? Seems weird to me, I guess.

The things that really caught me as off were:

“I would be a liar if I said I never thought about it.”

and

“I’m done (this week), and I’ve been thinking about everything. It’s almost like a recruiting process all over again. But I’m just keeping it to myself, talking to my brother. I’m not sure how to word it — the thing I don’t want out there is that Chris Harper is seriously considering transferring. I haven’t said one thing either way.”

I’m curious how many times Blount, Masoli, Darron Thomas, or any others have “been thinking” about a transfer and how they feel like their in “a recruiting process all over again.”

Those statements, from Harper himself, don’t leave a very comfortable feeling. I’d like to see the kid do what’s best for him, and if that means staying at Oregon, then great! I hope he adjusts to what ever position he ends up at and does well.

I hope the kid stays. But who knows.

by Pac10Rivalry on Jan 2, 2009 10:52 AM PST up reply actions

I am also concerned that he’ll transfer, but, assuming he doesn’t, I think we’ll end up using him a bit like USC used Reggie Bush. He’ll line up in the backfield and take some handoffs, but we’ll have Blount handling most of the running duties, so Harper will end up all over the field, as Chip tries to work out ways to get him the ball in open space. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him throw some passes, maybe as part of a double-QB backfield? I have faith that Chip will find ways to utilize Chris in the best way possible

My HDTV is a JustinTV streamer who doesn't just use a webcam :(

by inroywetrust on Jan 2, 2009 6:22 AM PST reply actions

I think it depends on who we get in recruiting.

On Sat the QB from VA is supposed to be announcing his intentions and the rumormill has him coming to Eugene. If that is true you have Masoli, Costa, and Thomas fighting for rank at QB next year plus a redshirt(hopefully) QB in his this kid waiting in the wings, and I haven’t even mentioned Roper. We know what Masoli can do and now he will have a Spring, Summer, and Fall to get ready for next year plus CK has always had high praise for Costa and I read recently that Thomas has gained 15 pounds since arriving and is grasping the offense. I know that the past few years have taught us that you need several QB’s ready to play in Eugene but I am hoping next year will be the year we can be injury free(jinx) I think Harper sees this and if he wants to play QB then this might not be the place for him. He is a great runner but his throwing is lacking. I think it is easier to turn a throwing QB who is athletic into a great QB in this offense(Masoli and Dixon) than a great running QB who can’t throw or read defenses.
The RB idea is tempting but with have LGB coming back and LaMichael, or Alston, or Crenshaw waiting to take JJ’s spot. I really don’t see any room for him at RB either. I personally think Harper could be a great slot receiver, just get him the ball and see what happens. I have faith that CK will find a way to get him the ball if he chooses to stay. If he leaves though I wish him luck unless he plays the Ducks.
I must say it is nice having these conversations about talent overload instead of not enough talent.

To go out and ruin somebody's dreams like that, it feels real good," Oregon receiver Jaison Williams.

by DuckinNC on Jan 2, 2009 8:09 AM PST reply actions

Good points.

One thing about Harper, he can learn defenses I’d imagine. But his passing has been pretty terrible. It’s passable if you’re a trick RB or something, but not the starting QB. Our QB must be able to pass effectively first and foremost.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 2, 2009 8:57 AM PST up reply actions

Motion. Align Harper in the slot, and have him motion into the backfield for a triple option threat. He’s got the body for a tremendous wide receiver, but his running ability should also be utilized.

Screen passes are fun too.

It's spelled ""S-H-U-Y-O-U-V-E-D-O-N-E-S-O-M-E-N-I-C-E-T-H-I-N-G-S-W-I-T-H-T-H-E-P-L-A-C-E"

by JShufelt on Jan 2, 2009 9:11 AM PST reply actions

Right on. WR is the spot for Harper

Screens. Sweeps. Reverse – reverse pass. And good old fashioned run a pattern and make a catch. His presence on the field would demand constant attention by any defense.

I don’t see Harper becoming a high-caliber D-1 QB, so I don’t see him transferring to K State unless he’s flat out homesick. And that does happen.

He can be an offensive star at Oregon, perhaps in the mold of James Rodgers at OSU. If Duck coaches are thinking the same thing, they can probably sell him on staying put.

The ATQer formerly known as Seattle Quacker...oh yeah, I hate the wings.

by JConant on Jan 2, 2009 11:36 AM PST up reply actions

Belotti has talked alot about how great this guy is with the ball in his hands, I watched every game and didnt get much oppertunity to really see what he can do. I would use him alot like we use Mahel. He is bigger and faster than Mahel. Mahel had done well when he is run on the bubble screens. We have a few good seniors leaving at wr so that would be a great fit for him to get the ball in space and let him make plays. If he is serious about winning he will not leave.

by ducksfan on Jan 3, 2009 5:41 PM PST up reply actions

What does he see in himself

Why would this kid want to go somewhere else and play quarterback. It was evident that he could not handle college level defenses this year at the quarterback position. You would think that he would realize that he cant really play quarterback at this level for any team and either make the full time switch to rb or wr. He would only be hurting himself (and his nfl draft stock) if he transfered somewhere to play qb

by DucksfaninMA on Jan 2, 2009 9:42 AM PST reply actions

Maybe he isn't an NFL QB

But you can’t judge a kid based on what he did his true freshman year

I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by The VD Special on Jan 2, 2009 1:43 PM PST up reply actions

No, but you can tell that when he tore his rotor cuff, he completely lost his motion and strength. He’ll have to have surgery and a few years of relearning those fundamentals – regardless of where he is.

It's spelled ""S-H-U-Y-O-U-V-E-D-O-N-E-S-O-M-E-N-I-C-E-T-H-I-N-G-S-W-I-T-H-T-H-E-P-L-A-C-E"

by JShufelt on Jan 2, 2009 1:55 PM PST up reply actions

So...

You’re saying the book is still out on whether Quizz is a good RB?

It seemed as obvious to me that Quizz is, in fact, a quality back as it was that Harper is not going to be a quality QB.

The ATQer formerly known as Seattle Quacker...oh yeah, I hate the wings.

by JConant on Jan 2, 2009 4:11 PM PST up reply actions

Honestly, who knows about Quizz

He had a great freshman year. If he bombs off he won’t be the first collegiate player to ever have a great year one year and then do nothing. The same is true with Harper. There are many guys who peak later in their careers.

Aaron Maybin, the DEnd from PSU comes to mind. Started the fall as #3 defensive end on the depth chart, ended the season All-American

I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by The VD Special on Jan 3, 2009 2:30 AM PST up reply actions

Call me what you want...

I’ll be honest, as I always am, and say that I personally could care less if Harper transfered. There is so much talent/young talent on Oregons roster for the next couple of years that I’m not sure he would be missed that much.

Especially if the guy really is homesick, you cant argue with him thinking of heading home. Shoot, when I was in school, I had family members sick and seriously thought of transfering closer to home. It had nothing to do with sports or academics and everything to do with family.

I say, if he stays a Duck…awesome and I cant wait to root him on. If he ends up heading home, I will do the same thing. Just as long as his new team never plays UO :-)

I bleed grellow. Maybe I should get that checked out.

by spaceman21 on Jan 2, 2009 3:41 PM PST reply actions

Kansas St

We play Kansas St in 2011 and 2012.

by bigrez on Jan 2, 2009 4:50 PM PST up reply actions

Who cares?

As of right now we dont know where he can be the best, but from how I have heard the coaches talk about him this isnt a guy you just let go. I think that he will be on the field alot next year and making plays for us. The guy is a playmaker, he just needs to figure out weather or not he can live with not being the qb. He might just believe in himself so much that he doesnt want to give up at being a college qb. If he leaves best of luck to him.

by ducksfan on Jan 3, 2009 5:47 PM PST up reply actions

:-)

Thats why I added the loveable smiley face. I guess it wasnt that funny :-I

I bleed grellow. Maybe I should get that checked out.

by spaceman21 on Jan 2, 2009 5:26 PM PST reply actions

Harper is not transferring.

Say that one person asked if you wanted some cranberry juice, and you said “Not really, I’m good with this cup of apple juice in my hand. Thanks anyway.”
“Are you sure you don’t want it? Do you even like cranberry juice? Are you entertaining the idea of having some cranberry juice?”
“Well of course I’m thinking about it a little, but I’m good with this apple juice here.”
“ZOMGZZ U WANT CRANBERRY JUICE!! HEY EVERYBODY HE WANTS CRANBERRY JUICE!!!”

The kid’s a duck.

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 4, 2009 2:51 PM PST reply actions

Cranberry Juice?

What are you, on your period?

It's spelled "M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G-B-A-N-D."

I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by Takimoto on Jan 4, 2009 3:00 PM PST up reply actions

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 4, 2009 3:36 PM PST up reply actions

it’s a Departed reference. I hate cranberry juice, but that had nothing to to with the post.

It's spelled "M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G-B-A-N-D."

I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by Takimoto on Jan 4, 2009 3:50 PM PST up reply actions

I gathered, don't worry.

Is a mancrush on LeGarrette Blount considered beastiality?

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Where the Shufelts, butthols, and like half of the population of Chicago roam...

by qrsouther on Jan 4, 2009 4:05 PM PST up reply actions

haha

“There’s guys you can hit, and there’s guys you can’t hit.”

Can Michael Dunigan be granted a fifth and sixth year of eligibility? Please?

by travissimmo on Jan 4, 2009 4:06 PM PST up reply actions

butthol’s not quite a guy you can’t hit

It's spelled "M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G-B-A-N-D."

I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by Takimoto on Jan 4, 2009 4:49 PM PST up reply actions