Aaron Fentress of CSNNW.com reports the redshirt freshman tested positive for marijuana in an NCAA-administered test. He also notes the program still has the option to appeal:
Oregon redshirt freshman wide receiver Darren Carrington failed an NCAA administered drug test and did not make the trip to Texas for Monday's national title game against Ohio State at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, according to multiple team sources.
The Ducks arrived here this evening. The team could try to appeal the suspension.Carrington had stepped into a major role for Oregon in its last two games. He had racked up 14 catches for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns between the Pac-12 title game and the Rose Bowl, which served as a national semifinal.
He ranks behind only Byron Marshall on the team in receiving yards. It marks the second recent receiver setback for the high-flying Ducks, who will also likely be without Devon Allen. He suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff against Florida State.While Oregon will probably lean more heavily on its rushing attack as a result, it also adds to the pressure on the shoulders of Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. He's going to be working with targets who didn't see as much first-team action this season.
Dwayne Stanford, Charles Nelson and Evan Baylis are among those who must rise to the occasion on Monday night if Carrington and Allen both miss the game as expected.
Cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and tight end Pharaoh Brown are expected to be out as well.
