Oregon's depth along the defensive line is among the most concerning pieces of the team's roster this spring. With just eight healthy bodies in camp, the group is not even three-deep at the moment.

Yet, senior defensive linemen Jalen Jelks dropped some encouraging news for the likes of Austin Faoliu, Gus Cumberlander, Gary Baker and D.J. Johnson when asked about the team's depth on Thursday.

“(I've seen) flashes of good stuff," he told reporters. "A lot of sacks and TFLs from a lot of the younger guys. It’s been kind of surprising. Hopefully they’ll just continue improving and we can translate the to the season."

Jelks has also been impressed by the group's commitment. He says the group has essentially lived in defensive line coach Joe Salave'a's office and has seen them ask copious questions to their position coach.

Johnson in particular has been noteworthy. The Miami transfer began his time in Eugene at outside linebacker, but moved to defensive end after three practices.

“He’s just trying to figures some things out," he said. "He just transitioned right before break. Once he figures everything out, he’ll be great."

Redshirt freshman Popo Aumavae has also turned heads. The second largest body among the group behind Jordon Scott, the 311 pounder sat out his freshman season due to a shoulder injury. But as things stand now, he's sitting second behind Scott at nose guard.

As a player, Jelks compares him to a cross between Scott and Faoliu.

“He’s a big guy," Jelks said of Aumavae. "We don’t have that many nose tackles. All the nose tackles we can get the better. He’s shown great flashes. As time goes by, I’m sure we’ll get more Popo."

In a matter of months, Jelks has felt a shift in responsibility. The junior version of Jelks didn't feel the same expectations that he now feels.

“I have to (be more vocal)," he explained. "I’m a senior. Everyone is looking at me to lead. I have to accept the role and do everything I can do to push my teammates.

“If I not talking on the sidelines, I’m doing it on the field. Hopefully they see that and be like ‘Hey, he doesn’t have to talk all the time, he can lead by his actions.”

Jelks exploded onto the scene last fall. His production in 2017 surpassed what he'd done in 2015 and 2016 combined. He made 59 tackles (compared to 40 in two years prior), recorded 15 tackles for loss (just 7.0 before) and had 6.5 sacks (5.0).

Sign up for the FREE DuckTerritory.com newsletter and get all your Oregon news sent directly to your e-mail inbox daily.

Consider following DuckTerritory on Twitter, as well as our full-time writers Matt Prehm, Erik Skopil and Kevin Wade.

If you're not a VIP subscriber to DuckTerritory.com, consider signing up and taking advantage of our FREE trial here.