One of the biggest leaders to Oregon’s success a year ago was the play of the offensive line, and the Ducks’ ability to keep the quarterback clean while also creating massive running lanes for the stable of backs in the backfield.
One of the biggest questions about the team’s success going forward in 2023 is regarding that same offensive line, and if a remade set of starters will be able to find comparable success and lead the Oregon offense in a similar fashion.
After losing players like Alex Forsyth, T.J. Bass, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, and Ryan Walk, the Ducks will have at the very least four new starters on the OL this year, as well as a new OL coach after Adrian Klemm left to take a job with the New England Patriots. Fortunately, according to Pro Football Focus, two of the guys that the Ducks have on the offensive front grade out higher than any other returning offensive lineman in the Pac-12 conference.
With incredibly talented players like Josh Conerly, Ajani Cornelius, Steven Jones, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Nishod Strother, and Junior Angilau, among others, there is a path for Oregon to have another outstanding season, this time under coach A’lique Terry. If all goes well, they will have one of the top O-lines in the conference.
Here is a look at the top-returning linemen in the Pac-12, per PFF.