| 14 January 2012
The Ducks secured a key element of their 2012 roster when Kenjon Barner decided to return for his senior season.
Few running backs they could have picked up in recruiting would have as great an impact as the versatile Barner will this fall. Not only is he a proven commodity and a tremendous fit for the Oregon zone blocking system, Barner adds poise, maturity and leadership. Confident, focused and articulate, KB will fill a role like David Paulson and Terrell Turner did this year, likely to be a senior leader and the face of the program, a difference-making player with a program-defining attitude.
Instant offense, consistent results: Kenjon Barner's big-play dependability makes the Webfoots one of the favorites for college football's biggest prize in 2012 (oregonlive.com photo).
Barner's always made big plays. A 939-yard rusher with 11 touchdowns in Oregon's Rose Bowl Champion year, he busted a 21-yard run for touchdown in his first home game as a Duck, a late td in a 38-36 win over Purdue as a redshirt freshman. That same season he had a 102-yard kickoff return against UCLA and another long one against USC, and 7 carries for 64 yards against Ohio State in the 2010 Granddaddy. As a sophomore he broke loose for 225 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns against New Mexico, a dazzling 80-yard punt return for a touchdown on the road versus Tennessee, and 133 yards rushing in the Civil War.
Productive in a variety of roles, KB struck for four 100-yard games in 2011, including 31 carries for 171 yards against Arizona State, an efficient 10 carries for for 115 yards and an 84-yard touchdown in Boulder versus the Buffs. Barner shone brightest when his best friend LaMichael James was injured or ineffective, blasting and darting for 123 yards against USC. He added a 54-yard scoring reception on a wheel route in the Rose Bowl, his 14th score of the year.
Provided he stays healthy, the 5-11, 195-lb. speedster will thrive as the feature back. He's a smart runner with good vision, quick to the hole and decisive. While he doesn't run inside as effectively as James, Barner's sharp cuts make him a very consistent runner that gets the most out of every play and is always a threat to break a big one. He doesn't waste moves, moving the pile very well for a speed back.
Having made the decision to return, he'll display to commitment to lead and prove himself as an every-down mainstay and leader. A hard worker throughout his career, he'll get with Gary Campbell and Jim Radcliffe to take his game, his conditioning and ability to a new level this season, a desire that will inspire his teammates and pay big dividends as he competes for the attention of NFL scouts. With Tra Carson to spell him and De'Anthony Thomas to complement him, Barner's return gives Oregon depth, explosiveness and experience at running back, again making it the strength of the team. 2012 verbal commit Byron Marshall has the talent to contribute as a freshmen as well.
Expect Kenjon to improve his strength and durability, taking on the role of leader and spokesman for a team that has legitimate national championship aspirations, proving what Oregon fans already know: Kenjon Barner is a great football player, and a star in his own right. Rece Davis said it best calling a highlight against Cal, a 68-yard dash for a touchdown, "He doesn't need a nickname, he's just gone, gone Ken-jon Barner." The Oregon tailback's quiet, soft-spoken leadership style is perfect for a team of good players committed to one goal. Welcome back, Kenjon. We're glad you never left.
The ever-reliable Mike Wines of Oregon Duck Soup and Madmike1951 Youtube channel provides the KB highlight reel:
