Commitment Analysis: Nishad Strother Adds Experience to New-Look Oregon Offensive Line

Strother is the third offensive lineman the Ducks have added from the transfer portal this offseason.

On Monday morning Oregon landed a commitment from East Carolina transfer guard Nishad Strother following a visit to Eugene.

The Ducks only had a few scholarships to work with in 2023, so this is definitely a significant addition. 

Let's break down what Strother's commitment means for Oregon.

Recruiting Impact

Oregon stays hot whether it's recruiting the high school ranks or from the transfer portal. The Ducks landed wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. over the weekend and continue to build on that momentum by adding another player that should contribute a lot in 2023.

This is also the first transfer portal addition for new offensive line coach A'lique Terry, who has shown that he can get it done recruiting both both levels. Strother's addition breathes more healthy competition into a room that wasn't starving for experience, but wasn't overflowing with it either.

Adding a veteran player for next season only raises both the floor and the ceiling for the offensive line.

Evaluation

Strother was one of the more high-profile offensive lineman still available in the transfer portal. With 30 starts under his belt he brings a high football IQ to A'lique Terry's room and has a great feel for the game. 

He has experience playing both tackle and guard but projects to fill a role at guard in Eugene. Strother plays with a nastiness that you want to see in your offensive line and couples that with a mean streak. 

He's a powerful player that finishes his blocks and should have no problem fitting in at Oregon. Adding Strother to the mix will ensure more healthy competition in Oregon's offensive line room and the best will rise to the top.

Once that happens, they won't be without capable backups or players that can be inserted into any situation if someone needs a breather. 

Roster Outlook at Oregon

The Ducks are revamping their O-line in 2023 after losing almost their entire starting group from a season ago. With Marcus Harper II likely out until the start of fall camp, the interior spots became a much more pressing need. 

Jackson Powers-Johnson now likely sits in the driver's seat to start at center, but the guard spots are in flux with Harper missing time. Junior Angilau should take one of those spots but he didn't play in the spring game and is still working back from injury.

Steven Jones has plenty of experience playing guard and he should be heavily involved as a sixth-year senior. Josh Conerly Jr. and Ajani Cornelius project to be the A'lique Terry's two bookend tackles, which leaves the interior as the main focus between now and the season opener against Portland State. 

Much like the case with Bryant at wide receiver, this wasn't a pressing need for the Ducks ahead of next season. Adding Strother should be viewed as a luxury and will help ensure that Oregon can contend with anyone in the country at the point of attack. 

The defensive line is gushing with depth and now that's looking like at least more of the case with the offensive line. I love this addition.

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