Oregon Spring Preview: Offensive Line a Mix of Returners and Newcomers

A'lique Terry inherits a talented bunch that also receives a boost from the transfer portal.

We're continuing our Oregon Ducks football spring preview with a look at the offensive.

It's a position that's seen a lot of change this offseason both from a coaching and personnel standpoint.

Adrian Klemm is out and A'lique Terry is in, with veteran offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh coming to Eugene with him to lend a hand.

Almost all of Oregon's starting offensive line from a year ago is gone--with Alex Fosyth, Ryan Walk, T.J. Bass and Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu all taking their shot at the 2023 NFL Draft.

But the cupboard is far from bare in Eugene despite a massive wave of departures.

Steven Jones :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Steven Jones returns to Oregon after an injury cut his 2022 season short.

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Marcus Harper II :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Marcus Harper II was a mainstay along the O-line after Steven Jones' injury.

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Jackson Powers-Johnson :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

JPJ has taken on a larger role from year to year and now he's ready to be a full-time starter.

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Josh Conerly Jr / © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Conerly was the No. 1 OT in the 2022 recruiting class and should be heavily featured next season.

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Ajani Cornelius / Ajani Cornelius on Twitter (@AJCornerlisu65)

Ajani Cornelius heads to Oregon as arguably the top offensive tackle in the transfer portal.

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Junior Angilau / Junior Angilau and Texas Football on Instagram (@junior_angilau)

Junior Angilau played a lot of football at Texas and is looking for a bounce back year after getting injured in 2022. 

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There's definitely a theme of a new wave along Oregon's offensive line in 2023. 

After being a model of consistency for the past three or so years the loss of multiple veterans will shake up the group.

Steven Jones highlights the returners for Oregon. Despite missing almost all of the 2022 season he should be viewed as one of the top players in his group. With Cornelius and Conerly Jr. in the fold he may project as more of a guard in 2023 after spending time at both guard and tackle the last five years. 

Marcus Harper II filled in admirably for the injured Jones, carving out a role as a starting left guard for the Ducks in 2022. The 6-foot-3, 313-pound offensive lineman was counting the days since he last contributed in a game and was more than ready when his name was called which could and probably should result in a spot along the starting line.

Jackson Powers-Johnson is another exciting player to watch. He played all over the line during this first two years in Eugene but could end up being the team's starting center after losing Forsyth. His strength, versatility and overall passion for the game will all be an asset. Add in that A'lique Terry was central in his recruitment and I'll bet he's fired up to be coaching JPJ once again. 

Josh Conerly Jr. will be a true sophomore but he proved that he was too good to keep off the field in 2022, appearing in all 13 games. He primarily played on the left side of the line but spring and fall camp will likely go a long way in determining if Terry thinks he's good enough to be trusted with the crucial job of protecting Bo Nix's blind side.

Ajani Cornelius comes to Oregon as one of the best right tackles in college football. That said, it's likely that could be his home to replace Big Sala from a year ago. He brings a ton of playing experience with him that will help elevate the group.

Junior Angilau played his football at Texas working on the interior. He didn't play at all in 2022 thanks to injury but he played on both sides of the line at guard during the 2021 season. 

Listed at a massive 6'6", 311 pounds (Texas 2022), he should be a mainstay for the Ducks in 2023. 

Obviously there's more than just six offensive linemen on the roster but these are the ones who I think will play the biggest role next season. Faaope Laloulu could find his way into the rotation as another veteran at the position and Sir Mells has been experimenting with the offensive line ahead of spring practice. 

There's going to be a lot of mixing and matching going on this spring but this group has all the pieces it needs to be the best offensive line in the Pac-12 once again. 

After all, that's the standard that's been set right?

READ MORE 

Oregon spring preview: Bo Nix returns with Heisman Hype

Oregon spring preview: Running back still an embarrassment of riches

Oregon spring preview: Ducks looking for new No. 2 WR

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