ESPN College Football

Oregon concludes spring practices with its spring game on Saturday. Here's a brief primer.

Spring game: 4 p.m. ET at Autzen Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPN2. Here’s the link to the Oregon spring game on ESPN3.com.

Questions answered: The Ducks lost five starters from the defensive front seven, but this one may be more a reload rather than rebuild. This is due in large part to the experience of the so-called new guys, most of whom saw significant action last fall. Ends Dion Jordan and Brandon Hanna -- returning starter Terrell Turner sat out with a leg injury -- and tackles Ricky Heimuli, Taylor Hart and Wade Keliikipi all played well. At linebacker, Kiko Alonso takes over in the middle for Casey Matthews, while Michael Clay, Josh Kaddu and Boseko Lokomobo capably man the outside spots. More depth is provided by Dewitt Stuckey and Derrick Malone.

Questions unanswered: The defense was mostly in control this spring, and a lot of that was due to three new starters on the offensive line. Things aren't settled there other than tackles Mark Asper and Darion Weems and guard Carson York. Further, the Ducks are replacing their top two receivers, Jeff Maehl and D.J. Davis, and that may be a spot the requires help from a touted crew of incoming freshmen.

Spring stars: Jordan was an intriguing prospect when he switched to defensive end last season. Now he's starting to look like a player. Alonso missed last season due to suspension -- he also was injured -- but he's brought a physical presence to the middle of the defense. Running back Lache Seastrunk has played well enough to earn touches at a deep position. Spring always provides good walk-on stories, and the Ducks have theirs in Ramsen Golpashin, a fifth-year senior who's in the mix at offensive guard. Now some of you less sentimental sorts might not be thrilled with what a senior walk-on winning the job says, but let's see the glass as half-full.

Oregon begins spring practices next Tuesday with more questions than it was supposed to have.

Starting with quarterback. It's now a position of uncertainty: A competition between senior Nate Costa and sophomore Darron Thomas.

As for the guy who was supposed to be a Heisman Trophy candidate at the position, Jeremiah Masoli's status with the team remains uncertain. Coach Chip Kelly said he will meet with Masoli, who was suspended for the 2010 season after being convicted of second-degree burglary, on Monday to figure out what -- if any -- role Masoli will have this spring. Kelly gave Masoli the option to redshirt this season and return in 2011.

Other notes:

• Eddie Pleasant, a starter at linebacker, will move to safety. Pleasant is one of the fastest defenders, and Oregon is deeper at linebacker than in the secondary.
• The defensive line also isn't deep, which is why Brandon Hanna and Dion Jordan have moved there from linebacker and receiver, respectively.
• Three incoming freshmen defensive backs will participate in spring practices: Dior Mathis, Terrance Mitchell and James Scales.
• As far as injuries, offensive lineman Carson York (shoulder), cornerback Talmadge Jackson (shoulder) and linebacker Josh Kaddu (foot) may see only limited action in practices.
• Running back LaMichael James, who will be suspended for the season-opener, will practice with the team. Less certain is linebacker Kiko Alonso's status. He's suspended for the 2010 season because of a DUI arrest.