Year in and year out, it always seems like Oregon has a strong featured running back, as well as a young, breakout back. When Jonathan Stewart was starting for the Ducks in 2007, Jeremiah Johnson showed promise. When Stewart left, Johnson and LeGarrette Blount both rushed for 1,000 yards during the 2008 season.

Once Johnson graduated and Blount was suspended for the majority of 2009, LaMichael James took over the starting role and immediately impressed. Also, during that same season, Kenjon Barner emerged.

James was the feature back for three seasons. Once he graduated, Barner took over as the starter for the 2012 season, and De’Anthony Thomas became more than just a special teams threat and situational back.

Now, with Thomas becoming the number one back this season, who will be the next Duck to breakout in the backfield?

All the signs point towards Byron Marshall.

This season will be a little different for the Ducks. Thomas does not have the ideal stature to run north and south, standing only 5’9” and only weighing 169 pounds. His speed is more ideal to run outside the tackle box and beat defenders to the corner. Also, Thomas will likely be used a lot at receiver rather than out of the backfield. This will open up more opportunities for Marshall to get on the field.

Marshall has better size to play between the tackles (6’1”, 201 pounds) and still has the speed to play in Oregon’s up-tempo offense and make big plays. He showed flashes of what he can do last season, rushing for 447 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards/carry.

With Oregon likely not having any significant changes to their offensive scheme, even with the loss of Chip Kelly, expect the running game to once again be the focal point, especially with Marcus Mariota running the offense. While Thomas will likely be the main back and get the majority of the yards, Marshall gives the Ducks the versatility to line up Thomas in the slot and gives opposing defenses one more offensive weapon to have to worry about.

If Marshall is able to break out as projected, Oregon has a legitimate shot to win the national championship in January.