LinkedUp: Ducks Make Preseason Heisman List, Athlon Lists Top Running Backs

I usually save LinkedUp for Tuesday’s, but there is some news out about College Football watch lists that include some Oregon Ducks so here’s a Weekend Edition.

First is the preseason Heisman Trophy list from HeismanPundit.com

Jan. 3, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks running back De

The latest winner Johnny Manziel from Texas A&M highlights the list of contenders, but of course, it’s early…really early. Two Oregon Ducks made the preseason list including Junior De’Anthony Thomas at Running Back and after a stellar Freshman campaign Marcus Mariota at Quarterback.

Others from the Pac 12 include Ka’Deem Carey, Running Back from Arizona, Kevin Hogan, Quarterback from Stanford, Brett Hundley, Quarterback from UCLA, and one from USC in Wide Receiver Marquise Lee.

Reigning National Champion Alabama has two on the list with Quarterback A.J. McCarron and Running Back T.J. Yeldon

Athlon ranks the Pac-12 running backs (via ESPN.com)

Call it the Top 20 Running Backs heading into 2013. De’Anthony Thomas is not #1 on the list. That honor goes to Ka’Deem Carey from Arizona. Athlon offers a quick glance:

"Carey rushed for 1,929 yards and 23 touchdowns last season and should be well over 1,500 yards once again in 2013. Oregon’s De’Anthony Thomas should see more carries with Kenjon Barner off to the NFL, and the junior could establish himself as one of the nation’s top all-around running backs. Washington’s Bishop Sankey quietly rushed for 1,439 yards last season and could exceed those numbers in 2013 with more help from his offensive line."

Oregon’s Byron Marshall(sophomore) also made it on the list and in the Top 10 at #8. Thomas Tyner, who has yet to see the field at Oregon enters the season at #13.

Finally as we look toward football, Oregon QB Marcus Mariota talks offense with the Pac 12 Network. Oregon’s Spring Game is Saturday at Autzen Stadium(11am Pac 12 Networks) and AutzenZoo will be there to cover it.

Be sure to follow us for updates.  Live Coverage of the Oregon Spring Game Right Now, plus you can find us on Facebook and Twitter

Oregon Ducks This Week:

Oregon Spring Game Final: Offense 65, Defense 10 NFL Draft: Oregon’s Kenjon Barner Highlights Day 3 For DucksNFL Draft: Miami Dolphins Trade Up To Get Oregon’s Dion Jordan At #3FacebookTwitter.

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