Oregon Ducks 2012 football preview: Jackson Rice one of top punters in country

Leading up to the start of Oregon football practice on Aug. 6, the Oregonian will take a look at the team, position-by-position.

Today: Kickers/punters

What we know: Punter Jackson Rice is simply one of the best players on the team regardless of position and has been named to the Ray Guy watch list for an award he was a finalist for last year.

What we don't know: Forget potentially juggling quarterbacks, could Oregon be set to continue juggling kickers. Rob Beard, injured much of last season, and Alejandro Maldonado, will be competing for the starting kicking job. Beard has battled quad and back issues. Maldonado was inconsistent.

Reasons for optimism: Rice averaged 45.9 yards per attempt with 17 traveling 50-plus yards and another 17 landing inside the opponent's 20-yard-line. Beard is a proven commodity. He made 10 of 13 field goals in 2010 and 2 of 2 last season before injuries reduced him to only kicking off. Maldonado had a solid first season being thrust into a prime, kicking role.

Reasons for pessimism: Oregon's high-scoring offense and coach Chip Kelly's penchant for gambling on fourth down means Oregon doesn't attempt many field goals. The Ducks have launched just 31 over the past two seasons. But when they miss, they matter, and Oregon last season missed five out of 14, including Maldonado's potential game-tying 37-yarder in a loss against USC.

Budding star: This should be Beard's job to lose. Now healthy again, Beard could be ready to take Oregon's kicking game to another level.

2012 recruit to watch: UO is excited about the potential of transfer punter/kicker Dylan Ausherman, signed in February out of the College of the Sequoias. But he likely won't get much time this season.

Position grade: B+. Rice is a proven star and Beard has potential to be one with strong depth in Maldonado, who could challenge for a starting role.

Placekicker
93 Rob Beard, 6-0, 223, Sr. (Fullerton, Calif.)
or - 41 Alejandro Maldonado, 5-10, 190, Jr. (Colton, Calif.)
48 Eric Solis, 5-10, 192, Soph. (Sherman Oaks, Calif.)
30 Dulan Ausherman, 6-3, 180, Jr. (Visalia, Calif.)

Punter
7 Jackson Rice, 6-3, 223, Sr. (Moraga, Calif.)
41 Alejandro Maldonado, 5-10, 190, Jr. (Colton, Calif.)
30 Dulan Ausherman, 6-3, 180, Jr. (Visalia, Calif.)

Previous Position Previews
Quarterback
Running back

Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2012/07/oregon_ducks_2012_preview_jack.html

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