by Rob Moseley

Editor, GoDucks.com

Oregon will look to two senior transfers to replace its outstanding quarterback-center tandem of the last three years.

Quarterback Vernon Adams and center Matt Hegarty were listed as starters on a DEPTH CHART the Ducks compiled Friday. One day earlier, the team wrapped up preseason camp with a scrimmage in which Adams led the team with two touchdown passes.

Adams is slated to make his first UO start against the school from which he earned his undergraduate degree, when Eastern Washington visits Autzen Stadium on Sept. 5. The two-time Walter Payton Award runner-up as FCS player of the year threw for 3,483 yards and 35 touchdowns with the Eagles last season.

Hegarty transferred from Notre Dame for his final season of eligibility. He will center a UO offensive line that welcomes back left tackle Tyler Johnstone from a one-year absence.

Also back in the fold after missing 2014 is Bralon Addison, who is listed as a backup receiver and the top return man for both kickoffs and punts.

In another of the much-discussed offensive questions during preseason camp, sophomore Kani Benoit is listed as the backup to starting running back Royce Freeman. Last season's No. 2 running back, Thomas Tyner, was not with the Ducks for preseason camp.

Defensively the Ducks have the potential to start all seniors in the front seven, depending on whether Tui Talia or sophomore Henry Mondeaux takes the first snap against Eastern Washington. They're both listed as possible starters at the defensive end position filled last season by first-round NFL draft pick Arik Armstead.

In the secondary, sophomore Arrion Springs is listed as a starter at cornerback along with Chris Seisay, as the Ducks move on without last season's senior tandem of Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and Troy Hill. Springs was possibly the biggest breakout player of preseason camp this month.

Oregon's first-week depth chart includes four true freshmen among the second-string -- receiver Kirk Merritt, defensive end Canton Kaumatule, cornerback Ugo Amadi and punter Blake Maimone. Converted quarterback Ty Griffin also is listed as a backup cornerback.