Oregon football picks up offensive lineman Matt Hegarty from Notre Dame

The Ducks picked up a big transfer on Tuesday as Notre Dame offensive lineman Matt Hegarty announced he would join Oregon for the 2015 season. Hegarty is completing his degree at Notre Dame and will then head west to Eugene.

Hegarty started 11 of 13 games at guard or center for the Fighting Irish in 2014 and saw action in 12 games during his junior year in 2013.

Like Vernon Adams, Hegarty is a graduate transfer and will be eligible to play immediately. The 6-4, 295-pound lineman fills a gap on Oregon's offensive line after the departure of Hronis Grassu, who was drafted in the third round at this year's NFL draft by the Chicago Bears.

Hegarty, a four-star recruit coming out of high school, missed part of the 2012 season due to a stroke he suffered in November of 2012 and underwent heart surgery. It appears that he has made a full recovery after a scary incident at a young age.

He brings not only valuable experience, but versatility to play different positions, something offensive line coach Steve Greatwood believes strongly in. Hegarty should immediately compete for a starting position with the Ducks this year, but adds some much-needed depth either way.