In college football, losing players to graduation or the pros is a formality, as is finding replacements for the departed.

In Oregon’s case, four starters from 2012 went on to bigger and better things and need to be replaced. Defensive end Dion Jordan went on to become the third overall pick in April’s NFL draft, leaving a large vacancy on the defensive line. Junior Tony Washington has a great shot at winning the starting job. He’s seen ample playing time in the last two seasons and has the perfect frame to slot in at the end at 6-foot-3-inches, 244 pounds.

Isaac Remington graduated and left another opening along the defensive line. He usually stuffed up the middle and was instrumental in defending the run game.  Sophomore dual athlete Arik Armstead looks like the best candidate to replace Remington. Armstead played in all 13 games as a freshman and takes up even more space in the middle at a gargantuan 6-foot-8-inches, 280 pounds. Armstead has quickness and athleticism and will likely be used as an end as well.

Oregon will be without two of its best defensive players from a season ago. Linebackers Michael Clay and Kiko Alonso led the team in total tackles and were senior leaders who both played huge roles in helping the Ducks win their first Rose Bowl since 1917, with Alonso being named the defensive MVP and Clay recovering a Wisconsin fumble to seal the Oregon win.

Sophomore Tyson Coleman would be a viable replacement at linebacker, playing in all 13 games as a freshman and racking up 34 total tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. Joining Coleman will likely be junior Derrick Malone. Malone has played in all but one game through his first two seasons and has played well, showing versatility and a wealth of football knowledge.