For a team like the Ducks who essentially rely on a strong rushing attack to help them win games, an equally strong offensive line is imperative.
Looking forward to next year, Oregon will be losing stud senior center Hroniss Grasu. A finalist for the Rimington Trophy last year, Grasu is not only the anchor of the Ducks' offensive line, but one of the best centers in the entire nation. He lead an offensive line that ranked third in the nation in fewest quarterback sacks per game (1.38 sacks per) in 2013.
Along with Grasu, the team will be parting ways with senior starting guard Hamani Stevens. He started the season off at right guard before shifting to left for the final five games. His flexibility on the line made him one of the most valuable players on the team, especially when you consider he logged the most snaps of any player on the offensive side of the ball (898).
Star tackle Tyler Johnstone will be in his senior year, as well as Haniteli Louisi and Jamal Prater. Highly recruited freshman lineman Tyrell Crosby will surely see more snaps as a sophomore. There is youthful depth on the roster, but losing two key seniors leaves some serious holes that need to be filled, and recruiting is one of the best ways to do so.
Semisi Uluave: Straight out of Honolulu, Semisi is a four-star tackle recruit, one of the best in the nation, and hot on Oregon's radar. In fact, the Ducks are believed to be the lead candidate to land the 6'5" beast, and they've already offered him. For a player of his stature, Uluave is surprising quick and nimble. He looks like a good fit in a zone-blocking scheme, and could be a multi-year starter in many programs.
Zach Okun: The Ducks really cleaned up at guard, landing four-star guard Zach Okun. 6'5" and 324 pounds, Okun is a monster on the line, and perfectly fit for the guard position in college. Like Uluave, he's got decent speed for a man of his size, and has the lateral quickness to cover rushers attempting to hit gaps as well.
Bud Elliot released a scouting report on Okun earlier this year:
One of the first things you notice on tape is Okun’s short-area quickness for his size. He rises quickly out of his stance and delivers a powerful initial punch as a run blocker. He also displays the lateral quickness to flash over and block defenders attempting to shoot gaps. Okun also shows very quick hands and the ability to latch onto a defensive lineman, disengage, flow to the second level and reload his hands to engage linebackers in space.
Okun committed to Oregon way back in March.
Shane Lemieux: Another monster of a guard commit. the Lemieux committed to Oregon on May 3rd. The three-star recruit out of Washington received offers from Boise State, Arkansas, Cal, and was even committed to South Carolina before decommitting and choosing the Ducks.
Drayton Carlberg: Even with several already impressive o-line committs, the Ducks are still looking to improve their recruiting class, and Drayton Carlberg out of Minnesota fits the bill. Carlberg is another 6'5" tackle, and is currently deciding between Minnesota and Oregon for school. Most believe that Minnesota is is in the lead for the three-star, but he's set to visit Oregon on October 18th, and his mind could be changed.