2011 quarterback play at Oregon was once again strong under Chip Kelly. Second year starter Darron Thomas turned in an understated yet statistically dominant season. Starting every game except when a knee injury forced him out against Colorado, Thomas threw for 2,761 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, showing impressive efficiency and command of the offense along the way. While his throwing motion was oft-criticized and his running ability hampered by knee injuries, no one can argue with Thomas' record as a starter: 23-3, including 2 BCS appearances and a Rose Bowl victory.
Heading into 2012 many people speculated that Thomas could be overtaken by rising sophomore Bryan Bennett. Thomas' surprising decision to enter the NFL draft rendered that debate moot, though questions about who will be next year's starter should persist through the summer. In Bennett and Marcus Mariota, the two Ducks have two signal callers who teammates and coaches say are strikingly similar and talented; dual-threat players with strong arms and excellent speed and vision. Behind them are a pair of freshmen from the 2012 class in Jake Rodriguez and Jeff Lockie. Both were highly regarded coming out of high school and should have ample time to learn the Ducks' playbook before being thrown into action.
While the Ducks currently enjoy good depth at the position, Ducks fans will never forget 2007 and how quickly depth at the position can be depleted. Despite a stable of young talent (one sophomore and three freshman), expect the Ducks to sign at least one quarterback in the 2013 class. After the jump, a very early look at players on Oregon's radar.
Cody Thomas: Cody Thomas was Oregon's first known offer to a quarterback in the 2013 class. At 6-5, 220 lbs, Thomas is a bigger quarterback than any that has played under Chip Kelly at Oregon. On game film he shows good patience and pocket presence but also the ability to throw on the run. While he is listed as a pro style quarterback, Thomas has good quickness and agility for a player his size and can run the ball when needed. A native of Texas, Thomas is being pursued by a number of other high profile programs, including Auburn, Florida, Oklahoma State, and Notre Dame.
Troy Williams: Troy Williams hails from Southern California and is a mentee of Keshawn Johnson. He is being pursued by most Pac-12 schools, along with several others nationally. One of the best quarterback prospects on the west coast, Williams stands tall in the pocket and has a quick release on his throws. Like Thomas he is listed as a pro style quarterback, but also has enough quickness to make him a threat to run based on what he sees in the defense.
Brandon Cox: From Pasadena, California, Brandon Cox stands 6-2, 185 lbs and is a true dual threat quarterback. A lefty, Cox is an accurate passer with a good arm who can make throws on the run. His only current offer is from Arizona, but Cox has told Scout.com that Oregon is nonetheless in his top three.