The Oregon offensive line is soft. At least, that’s the stereotype.
Like most stereotypes, it’s wrong. The Ducks have dominated in the running game for over a decade now. Notable Oregon running backs Jonathan Stewart, LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner and now Royce Freeman—all talented in their own right—benefit from generations of quality offensive lineman.
Last season’s performance was disappointing for Oregon’s standards. The Ducks had their lowest rushing yards total since 2006, and they allowed 2.5 sacks per game last season. Still, Oregon ended 2016 second in the Pac-12 in total rushing yards despite the ‘down’ season.
The offensive line was a young work in progress last season, but with added experience, and healthy senior Tyrell Crosby, the Ducks have one of the deepest and most talented offensive lines in the conference.
“It all starts up front,” head coach Willie Taggart said. “If there is one position group on our football team that is very solid and together, and I’m really excited about, it’s the offensive line.”
Left guard Shane Lemieux, center Jake Hanson and right tackle Calvin Throckmorton are three redshirt sophomores who started last season. It is expected they will start again. It’s their third year on the team. They have a season’s worth of starting experience, so now they’re the veterans.
Throckmorton, for one, feels he is better now than one year ago.
“It’s just a level of confidence,” Throckmorton said. “Just understanding the offense and a really good level of comfort with the coaches and knowing they’re going to put their best foot forward so I can just go out there and let loose.”

Hanson, Throckmorton, Lemieux and Brady Aiello, who started at left tackle in Crosby’s absence, are all from the same class. The group played on the scout team together when they redshirted, as well as on the field last season. The chemistry and experience is there.
“It always helps because that’s like the old-school Spiderman, that spider sense is telling you that something is coming,” offensive line coach Mario Cristobal said. “You develop that over time with football. You feel a certain pressure, or certain alignment, or certain movement is coming, and that’s ultra-valuable because they help the young guys as well.”
The return of Crosby can’t be understated. He’s been on multiple preseason watch lists and rankings throughout his career. Protecting quarterback Justin Herbert’s blind side is more important than usual with the lack of quarterback depth.
“It’s great having Tyrell back,” Hanson said. “He’s one of the best offensive lineman in the nation… It’s nice to have him back with all the young guys that have started in the past and all the veteran guys who have a lot of starting experience under their belt, so we’re really deep and ready to go.”
The right guard spot is completely open. Through one week of spring practice there have been three fifth year seniors take reps at the position. Evan Voeller, Jake Pisarcik and Doug Brenner are all fighting in their last year.
“It is my last ride, so I definitely feel that,” Pisarcik said. “I’m trying to make the most out of it and come out and have fun every day and come out with a good attitude.”
The right guard battle will last all camp. But whoever is chosen, 2017’s offensive line has an opportunity to show everyone that they’re far from soft.
Follow Jack Butler on Twitter @Butler917