WR Justin Hoffman to miss his senior season

According to the Oregon Athletic Department, former walk-on WR Justin Hoffman will miss his senior season as a Duck due to ongoing medical issues:

Oregon wide receiver Justin Hoffman will forgo his senior season on the advice of medical personnel, Head Coach Chip Kelly confirmed Friday.

However Kelly emphasized the Eugene native and former Churchill High School dual-sport letterman would remain an integral part of the Ducks’ football program as an undergraduate assistant coach.

Hoffman battled concussion problems throughout his career, so this news is expected. However, that doesn't soften the blow, and this has got to be very tough for Hoffman. Hoffman (and some of the other receivers) took a lot of grief around here last season as the receivers struggled to come together. But Hoffman was one of the few receivers on the team that made marked improvement before concussion problems derailed his season.

But it's great to see that he will be able to continue to be part of the team, and as an extra coach to boot. As we've seen with players like Walter Thurmond, having an extra coach on the sidelines can be a great thing. Hoffman's experience will prove very valuable as the Ducks have multiple young wide receivers that will need to produce in the 2012 campaign. Thanks for the memories, Justin, and good luck with the future season and your future endeavors.