EUGENE — Oregon center Hroniss Grasu is sometimes so engrossed in being a central figure in the operation of the Ducks' no-huddle offense that he doesn't even know who is lined up on either side of him at the two guard spots.

"The only time I notice it is when we run off to get water," Grasu said.

That's how Oregon likes it. While most teams seek to have five starting linemen jell, the Ducks want 10 or more to be able to shuttle in and out and become so interchangeable that it doesn't matter who is in the game or at what position. Just run the next play and do it fast.

"The D-line, they rotate like a hockey line," Grasu said. "I think that's what we're trying to do on the O-line."

This could be accomplished this season with the addition of several young linemen from the class of 2011 that includes sophomore Jake Fisher.

Fisher is a prime example of Oregon's philosophy. He could be called upon to start at any of the four positions other than center and saw time at most positions last season.

"I look forward to playing any position I can," he said.

The assumed penciled-in starters include seniors Carson York, Nick Cody and Ryan Clanton, along with Grasu. Senior transfer Kyle Long could start at left tackle.

After that it's a hodgepodge of young linemen learning anything and everything in order to contribute.

Among them is redshirt freshman Andre Yruretagoyena, who said the younger linemen are catching on quickly to the offense and to playing multiple roles.

"It's complicated, obviously, just because of the pace we go at, but everyone is learning it real well," he said. "All the younger guys are starting to get stuff. It was tough last year but stuff is starting to make a lot more sense."

Oregon running back Kenjon Barner said he's been impressed with the development of the young linemen and doesn't see much of a drop off from the veterans.

"There's not a major gap," Barner said. "There's some young guys out there that are performing, that are out there completely balling. So there is not a major gap, but there is a gap just because you have the Carson Yorks and Nick Cody's that have been here for five years."

In the middle of it all is Grasu, who will receive some rest here and there but is the central figure of the line and a player Oregon coach Chip Kelly said has grown immensely since becoming the starter last year as a redshirt freshman.

"He's just one of those kids who has a demeanor about him that you feel like he's been here for a long time," Kelly said. "Fortunately for us he's still just a sophomore."

And one with a mean streak who knows what Oregon's depth and speed can do to opponents.

"The pace that we play at, we're going fast," he said. "We're trying to get the defense to get tired, to get them to throw up in the middle of the game."

--Aaron Fentress

Follow @AaronJFentress