Morning Quack Fix: 1.20.09

Here's a quick recap of what's out there this morning.

• First, trumpetduck posted last night Bruce Feldman has his early football top 10 for 2009. Feldman tabs the Ducks at #4 and likes both Masoli and our chances to knock of USC. If we can get through the preseason and early conference schedule (I know, a big if, particularly in January), the game against USC could have a lot on the line. 
  
• The Oregon Daily Emerald has  a blog post up about Byrd's decision to remain in the draft.  It sounds like being nearly 100% healthy was a major factor in his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the draft.  Good luck at the next level Jairus!
• Clark has an entry up about the men's basketball team participating in an MLK Jr. march to downtown Eugene yesterday.  Clark also notes that Teondre Williams was back in practice, though he was wearing a protective boot and will not be playing this week.
• Geoffrey Arnold of the Oregonian has a story up about Malik Hairson's first year of professional baskeball.  Malik is playing (and playing well) for the Austin Toros, an NBA Development team associated with the Spurs. Arnold notes that he's played so well that the Spurs have guaranteed his contract for the remainder of the season in order to retain their rights to him.
• In basketball recruiting news, there is a story out of Kansas that alleges that Kansas coach Bill Self may have had inappropriate contact with #1 recruit John Wall.  The contact seems pretty innocuous, but the alleged comment indicates that not only was Self aware that it was a violation but that he assumed Wall was aware, too.
• In football recruiting, the Ducks have added a commitment from prep DE Keaton Arden, out of California.  There does not seem to be a lot of information about Arden available, which leads Moseley to label him as a sleeper.  He's also listed at 6'4" 215, which means he'll need a quick introduction to Radcliffe in the weight room.
  
• ESPN recruiting blogger Greg Biggins also has a note up about 2010 commit Ethan Grant, who he calls one of the fastest players out of the southeast.  Biggins also has a sizable post this morning which has info on both WR Adam Hall and DE Iuta Tepa. Both greatly enjoyed their visits, but are waiting to make their decision.
  
• And, despite recent rumors, Tahj Boyd claims there is no leader, in terms of where he will sign.  However, the article claims that his decision may come as early as this Friday and, barring that, Boyd would want to decide by January 28th.  It also sounds like Boyd had a good time on his recent trip to Clemson, including meeting Dallas Cowboy tight end Jason Witten.

As usual, please feel free to post any comments or stories I may have missed in the comments below.

Go Ducks!