Spring practices are in full swing for the Oregon football team, culminating with the Oregon Spring Game on April 27th. DuckTV Sports takes a close look at areas that the Ducks must address throughout April.

What’s the number one concern for the Ducks to address this spring?

Jonathan Style –  It has to be at the linebacker position. With Michael Clay and Kiko Alonso moving on to the NFL, I think it’s vital for the Oregon defense to have guys step up in spring and prove that they can fill the holes that they have at linebacker. With that being said, I think Oregon’s defense will be very similar to how it was last year statistically.

Shannon Hartley: The linebacking corps. With the departures of seniors Michael Clay, Kiko Alonso and sophomore Anthony Wallace, Oregon will need to prove that they have players that can step up and be leaders on the defensive side of the ball. Players to watch will be junior transfer Joe Walker, junior Tyson Coleman and Oregon native Brett Bafaro, who redshirted last season.

Alexandria King: Every team has the same concern in the spring, and that’s the health of the team. Coaches are focused on the safety of their players. This includes the health of players such as Avery Patterson, who will be returning this season after a knee injury during the California game last fall. The number one concern for the Ducks specifically is the transition between coaches. Mark Helfrich was the best candidate for the position, but will he be able to produce a BCS championship team?

Andrew Murray: Filling the defensive leadership roles will be the biggest question heading into the spring game. The Ducks are losing corner stones at defensive end, in Dion Jordan, and linebacker, in Michael Clay and Kiko Alonso. Prized 2012 recruit Arik Armstead will look to get regular playing time on the defensive line. Joe Walker looks to take over for Clay, and Avery Patterson attempts a comeback from his season ending ACL injury.

Which position battle is the most intriguing to you?

Hartley: The most intriguing position battle for the spring game has to be back-up quarterback. It’s obvious that rising superstar, Marcus Mariota will be the leader for one of the Oregon squads, but it’s still unknown who will be filling the position as his opposition. Coach Mark Helfrich has three options to choose from: senior Dustin Haines or redshirt freshmen Jake Rodriguez and Jeff Lockie.

King: It has to be the contest at running back. Oregon has been blessed in years past with running backs, but the combination of Marshall and Thomas might make a bigger impact than the dynamic duo of James and Barner just two years ago. Both backs have the ability to run the ball but what sets Thomas apart from Marshall is his ability to use his hands. Thomas had 45 receptions last year and five touchdown receptions, putting him ahead of Marshall in this competition for running back.

Murray: The starting running back slot will be the most intriguing position battle heading into spring. De’Anthony Thomas is possibly the most talented running back on the team, however his size spurs questions if he can be a full time starting tail back. Byron Marshall comes into camp at 201 pounds and a more sturdy build. Recruit Thomas Tyner will also be another serious contender for the starting spot.

Style: The position battle that is most intriguing to me has to be at the running back position. With Kenjon Barner leaving, Oregon does not have a back that they can just hand the ball to 30 times a game. Deanthony Thomas is too small for that type of role and it will be interesting to see whether Byron Marshall or Thomas Tyner is ready to carry the load the Ducks usually put on their running backs. However, I do think all of the backs will get significant playing time.

Who will be the toughest player to replace from last year’s Fiesta Bowl Championship team?

King: The toughest player to replace is going to be Kenjon Barner. Although he was only responsible for one touchdown in the Fiesta Bowl, Barner was credited with 21 touchdowns during the regular season. Additionally, Barner ranked sixth overall in the country, with 1,767 rushing yards.

Murray: Dion Jordan will be the toughest player to replace from last year’s team. Jordan’s speed and tenacity off the edge as a pass rusher helped give more teeth to Nick Aliotti’s defense last year. A wide selection of defensive lineman will be implemented in filling Jordan’s shoes.

Style: I think Dion Jordan is without a doubt the hardest player to replace. He brought size and speed onto the defensive line and that led to plenty of pressure on the opposing quarterback. I don’t know if the Ducks have that kind of leader on the line that can constantly disrupt the quarterback’s passes. Oregon will not only miss him on the defensive side of the ball but also as a leader in the huddle.

Hartley: I want to say that Kenjon Barner will be the toughest player to replace, but that’s just not true. With the talent Oregon has at running back, they should be fine for years to come. The Ducks’ main concern will be filling either left tackle, where Kyle Long dominated, or inside linebacker, which was filled by Michael Clay. Clay was the defensive quarterback and put everyone in position to make plays, while Long’s massive body kept defenses off of Mariota’s back. Both positions will be tough to fill.

With the departure of senior leaders such as Kenjon Barner, Michael Clay and Dion Jordan, who do you see stepping up on either side of the ball to lead the Ducks?

Murray: Marcus Mariota will be primed to have an even better year this season than he did last year. Mariota will have to be the leader and maintain aggression in running the spread offense with Chip Kelly gone. While Kelly leaned on the legs of Barner and Thomas last season, Mariota will look to ignite the passing game with returning receivers Josh Huff, Bralon Addison and Daryle Hawkins.

Style: I see Colt Lyerla stepping up to lead the ducks receiving and possibly running, as we saw a few times last year. Lyerla proved that he has the hands at the tight end position, and can block fairly well when they need him to. I think the Ducks success will run through him because, as we saw in the Fiesta Bowl, when the offense is shifted primarily to him, good things happen.

Hartley: I see defensive starters Joe Walker and Tony Washington stepping up and showcasing themselves during the Oregon spring game. Both of these athletes have waited patiently for their time to shine. Ever since he got injured in high school, Walker has been working hard to show his talents at an elite level, while Washington has been overshadowed by NFL soon-to-be draftee Dion Jordan. Both of these players will likely turn heads in the spring game.

King: Dion Jordan was an intimidating presence for the Ducks. Already one of the smaller teams in the country, losing size isn’t going to help. Jordan is currently being projected as a top-10 draft pick and for good reason. Look for defensive tackle Taylor Hart to step up as a leader while continuing to increase his sack totals this season.