**Editor’s Note: This story first appeared in the Emerald’s Duck Season magazine, a preview of the Oregon football team’s upcoming season that is currently available for free at all Duck Store locations in Eugene. We will post each story in the days leading up to the first day of fall practice on Aug. 10.

One of Oregon football’s strengths during its rise to national prominence has been the athleticism of its offensive line. Former All-Americans Hroniss Grasu (Chicago Bears) and Jake Fisher (Cincinnati Bengals) were drafted and will play in the NFL next season.

Tyler Johnstone will return after missing all of last year with a torn ACL. Johnstone’s maturity and experience instantly makes the Ducks one of the better offensive lines in the conference.

Former Notre Dame center Matt Hegarty, a graduate transfer, is immediately seeking eligibility to play with Oregon. Hegarty and Johnstone fill the holes left by Grasu and Fisher and should give the Ducks an experienced and talented line.

Follow Ryan Kostecka on Twitter @Ryan_Kostecka