Preseason Camp Preview: OL

OFFENSIVE LINE

Who's back: Oregon's offensive line has made it a regular occurrence to be in the running for the Joe Moore Award as one of the elite blocking units in the country. That trend continued in 2023 when the Ducks were finalists for the award, in what was technically a "rebuilding year" for the group. With a new position coach and three new starters up front last fall, Oregon still led the nation by allowing only five sacks, and helped the offense finish third in the country with 5.91 yards per rush.

The UO offensive line will look to continue that level of play in 2024 in the absence of the Rimington Trophy winner as the nation's top center, Jackson Powers-Johnson, along with mainstay Steven Jones. Two big keys to that effort will be the return of tackle tandem Ajani Cornelius and Josh Conerly Jr., who were new to the lineup last season but now are among the elite bookends in the country. Marcus Harper II also provides a wealth of experience up front, and 2023 breakout player Iapani Laloulu will look to shore up the middle of the line in the absence of Powers-Johnson.

Josh Conerly Practice

Among the other veterans back is guard Nishad Strother, who arrived via the transfer portal last year, along with Dave Iuli and Kawika Rogers. George Silva also transferred in a year ago, and his energy and enthusiasm in practice is contagious. Bryce Boulton, Lipa Moala and Gernorris Wilson all have a developmental season under their belts after redshirting, while the "look" team boasts some experienced veterans including the likes of Charlie Pickard and Kanen Rossi, who can slide in with the other veterans for reps on the interior when needed. Ty Delgado, Bailey Jaramillo, Austin Mims and Holden Whipple provide more experience in practice.

Who's new: The Ducks utilized both the portal and their 2024 recruiting class to enhance the depth on the offensive line. Among the additions is Matthew Bedford, a full-time starter for multiple seasons at Indiana who could push to replace Jones at a guard spot for Oregon this season. He was on hand for spring practices, as were massive freshmen Shaq McRoy and Trent Ferguson. New to the group for preseason camp practices will be Devin Brooks and Fox Crader.

Poncho Laloulu Harper Practice

What to watch: A year ago the big question was how to replace departed center Alex Forsyth, but Powers-Johnson answered that in resounding fashion. So there's reason to be confident that Laloulu, another physical and fiercely competitive player, can step in as the next in line and keep the offensive line playing cohesively at a high level. The versatility of guys like Harper and Iuli could help provide competition there.

The returning starters provide an outstanding foundation for success, but the Ducks will want a larger rotation and so how that comes together will be something to watch in camp. Bedford and Strother are experienced options on the interior, while Iuli and Rogers have been honing their craft for a couple of years now, waiting to take advantage of an opportunity like this. Offensive line can be a tough position for an even younger player to break through, but Oregon is no stranger to having a freshman crack the rotation up front, so we'll see this preseason if that trend continues as well.