Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports
Mark Helfrich takes over as head coach of the Oregon Ducks in 2013, and he will be trying to keep the high-powered offense started by Chip Kelly rolling next season. He figures to add a bit more of a passing element to the offense next fall and will need playmakers to emerge at wide receiver. After a strong showing in spring practice, sophomore Bralon Addison is ready to answer the call.
Addison admits that the challenge of learning the offense and the nuances of playing major college football were overwhelming at times for him during his freshman season. Often times, he would be hesitant in his routes, thinking too much rather than just playing fast and hard to his full ability. Because of that, he finished the year with 22 catches for 243 yards and three touchdowns.
While he showed flashes of his playmaking ability from time to time last season, he’s poised to do it on a regular basis in 2013. With a year of experience under his belt, Addison is playing with confidence this spring, regularly blowing past defenders in scrimmages and one-on-one drills. He is no longer worried about making mistakes and can focus on playing at full speed in the offense.
With his big play ability on the outside, the Oregon passing game will have some much-needed teeth that will be able to attack defenses vertically and give quarterback Marcus Mariota a weapon down the field. He will become another option in the athletic offensive arsenal at Helfrich’s disposal next season and be a major contributor to the Ducks’ success in 2013.
You can follow me on Twitter @Teeblerone and Rant Sports @RantSports
