Looking Ahead to 2013: Wide Receiver

Time for the next installment of looking ahead. Today, I looked at the wide receiver position and what to expect for the 2013 recruiting cycle.

Interestingly, after reading through the early offers to wide receivers and then through some of the threads in the Casanova Center, it seems as if today's article could not be timed any better.

As we continue to look at a position-by-position breakdown of the recruiting needs for 2013, we turn back to the offense once again. The Ducks lost two impact players from the offensive side of the ball after the National Championship run in 2010 and lost another important player at the wide receiver position after the Rose Bowl victory against Wisconsin. Today, Duck Sports Authority takes a look at the wide receiver position for the 2013 recruiting cycle.

2012 Departures: Rashaan Vaughn, Justin Hoffman, Will Murphy

Rashaan Vaughn came as a junior college transfer and saw some action in 2011. He did not make a big impact, especially given the emergence of De'Anthony Thomas who played in a receiver position frequently during the 2011 season. Vaughn did show flashes of why Duck coaches wanted him out of the College of San Mateo. Duck fans will only get one more season and Vaughn may end up more of a role player for the Ducks than an impact receiver. Spring practices should give a clue as to where he will be in the 2012 rotation.

Justin Hoffman may see his role reduced, if he is able to get back on the field after a series of injuries that are widely believed to be concussions. Hoffman was a key asset in 2011 with his exceptional blocking skills. If Hoffman is able to play again, his veteran leadership will be important in 2012.

Will Murphy is the...

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