The Oregon Ducks have seen their share of great players over the years, including the current roster. This list doesn't cover current players, or you might see De'Anthony Thomas in a high position, and others as well.
Here's a look at 25 of the best Ducks ever:
Ed Dickson, TE (2005 -2009)
One of the most prolific tight ends ever to play for the Ducks, Dickson was the only Oregon player on the first team All-Pac-10 roster in 2009. He was instrumental in the dramatic double-overtime win over Arizona.
Vince Goldsmith DE (1977-1980)
He earned a spot on the Register Guard all-time list, and was inducted into the Oregon Hall of Fame in 2005. Small for his position, he made a big impact.
Rashad Bauman CB (1998-2001)
His 22 passes defended in 2000 is second all-time. The next year he netted 55 tackles. Bauman was one of the best cover corners ever.
Patrick Chung, Safety (2004-2008)
At the very heart of the Duck defense and a four-year starter, Chung leads the team in tackles for non-linebackers. He went on to be drafted by the Patriots.
Kenny Rowe, DE (2007-2010)
Rowe was honored as defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl against Ohio State with three sacks, despite of the fact Oregon lost the game. Gave Cam Newton a rough day in the BCS championship game.
Saul Patu, DE (1997-2000)
He's second on Oregon's all-time sack list and at the top for a defensive end. The four-year starter is the all-time leader in tackles for a loss.
Norm Van Brocklin, QB (1947-1948)
One of six Ducks in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he only played two years for Oregon but they were extraordinary. He was the team's first all-American.
George Shaw, QB (1951-1954)
Shaw broke Van Brocklin's single-season passing record in 1954, throwing for over 3,000 yards. He's another Hall of Fame inductee. He went on to be the No. 1 draft choice for the Baltimore Colts.
Casey Matthews LB (2007-2010)
He definitely comes from a football family but distinguished himself at Oregon. The Ducks' only representative in the Senior Bowl after the 2010 season, Matthews followed his brother into the NFL.
Samie Parker, WR (2000-2003)
A dangerous deep threat and punt return option. Parker started his career with the Ducks slowly, but built his play to become one of the best ever at his position for Oregon.
Keenan Howry, WR (1999-2002)
A big play-maker throughout his tenure with the Ducks, he came through in the clutch in the big games. His return for a touchdown in the Civil War contest with the Oregon State Beavers in 2001 trailing 6-3 was a game-changer.
Jeff Maehl WR (2007-2010)
Like Howry in his time, the Maehl-man was called on to deliver when the team needed yards most -- and did it time and again. His ability to foil the opposing defense at crunch time set him apart. He's with the Houston Texans currently.
Darron Thomas, QB (2008-2011)
Thomas was at the helm during what has become the most successful run to date for the team. Appearing in the BCS title game and Rose Bowl during his tenure, Thomas accounted for 71 touchdowns in his two seasons as a starter.
Kevin Mitchell, LB (2000-2003)
He was consistent throughout his career as one of the top tacklers on the team and intimidated opposing offenses. His 44 career tackles puts him fourth on the all-time list for Oregon.
Akili Smith, QB, (1997-1998)
He only spent two years with the Ducks, but, man, were they good years. Smith totaled 5,148 yards passing, 5,515 total yards netting 45 touchdowns and was Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year in 1998.
Dave Wilcox, LB (1962-1963)
He only played two seasons with the Ducks as a transfer in for his junior and senior years, but the future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee established himself as one of the best Oregon linemen ever.
Jonathan Stewart, RB (2005-2007)
Stewart came into the program as one of the top prospects in the country, but he didn't quite live up to the hype in his freshman campaign. By his junior year, he was off and running, setting the school single-season rushing record at 1,722 yards.
Bill Musgrave QB (1987-1990)
The first QB I followed as a Ducks fan, Musgrave lit things up and helped bring the Ducks out of relative obscurity. He set a school record for passing yards with 8,343.
Mel Renfro, DB, HB (1961-1963)
He played offense and defense and had his best game against Rice in 1962, dominating the game. He was an Oregon product, attending high school in Portland before going to Eugene. He went on the a Hall of Fame career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Dan Fouts QB (1970-1972)
Before going on to throw for the San Diego Chargers, Fouts was at the helm in Eugene. He set 19 school records during his Ducks tenure and was the first Oregon quarterback to throw for more than 2,000 yards in a season.
Bobby Moore (Ahmad Rashad), RB (1969-1971)
He started as Bobby Moore then changed his name, and he did the same with positions. Rashad began as a wide receiver before transitioning to running back. He led the conference in scoring two years, from two different positions.
LaMichael James, RB (2008-2011)
One of the biggest single components in the Ducks' successes during his time in Eugene; it's not an overstatement to say he was probably the best at his position in school history. Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and later a Heisman finalist.
Joey Harrington QB (1998-2001)
He was the first Oregon player ever to be a Heisman finalist, and finished fourth in the voting. Duck fans remember him for his comeback leadership. He led the Ducks to an 11-2 record when trailing or tied going into the fourth quarter.
Gary Zimmerman, OL (1980-1983)
The best Pac-10 offensive lineman in his senior year, Zimmerman was the best at the position in school history. He is enshrined in both the Hall of Fame for both the NFL and Oregon and won the Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos.
Haloti Ngata, DT (2002-2005)
Before becoming the best at his position in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, Ngata had an illustrious college career with the Ducks.
Sources: Oregon Ducks team website stats pages, GoDucks.com
Jeff Musall has been a fan of the Oregon Ducks since the 1980s, and is looking forward to another great season and Pac-12 title.
