LINEBACKERS

ROB'S TAKE

Projected depth chart

Assessing where things stand for the Oregon football team entering the start of preseason camp Aug. 8.After the loss of four senior starters from 2015, Oregon linebackers coachdoesn't have a ton of experience to lean on entering 2016. The top returning tackler is junior, who had 25 last fall. Next up is his fellow first-string inside linebacker during spring drills this year,, with 20. Mattingly has a big frame and a physical nature, and Ragin is a cerebral defender who can move. So both fit the profile at their respective positions, but they were thrust into bigger roles given the absence of last year's starters. Ragin in particular seemed to rise to the occasion in April, as he was constantly around the ball in drills and scrimmage situations.New coordinator's 4-3 scheme features one outside linebacker, played in the spring by. He played inside the past two seasons but has experience playing SAM from high school and thus felt comfortable making the transition. Also back was, a walk-on who played receiver in junior college but took immediately to defense last season and became a contributor on kickoff coverage. Like Ragin, he's got a nose for the ball, fighting around and through blocks to get in on tackles. Another special teams contributor last season,, has a similar profile: undersized but not lacking in heart or instincts.: The most conspicuous newcomers for 2016 will be former junior college teammates, who redshirted with the Ducks last fall, and, who enrolled this spring. Given the turnover at the position, there are openings for both to seize significant playing time in the upcoming season. Hotchkins was joined in the spring by fellow newcomersandfrom the incoming freshman class; Dye might have had the most impressive spring of that trio. Two more freshmen,and, arrived this summer. We'll see . "Hoke is transitioning Oregon's defense from its old 3-4 ways to his aggressive 4-3 scheme, and he'll be reliant on several fresh faces to make it work.", Sr.;, Sr.;, Fr.;, Fr.;, RFr.;, RFr., Jr.;, Jr.;, So.;, Fr.;, RFr., Jr.;, Jr.;, Fr.;, Fr.;, Jr.: As is the case on the defensive line, there's a lot to sort through at linebacker in preseason camp, though not a lot of proven performers. The JC transfers are presumably best positioned to impact the two-deep, so the development of Hotchkins and Moi will be a storyline to watch in August; so too will be the response from the likes of Mattingly and Swain to that challenge. And then of course there are all those athletic young freshmen to evaluate. Typically a couple each year end up being assets on special teams at least, so it will be interesting to watch kickoff and punt drills to see which guys can catch the eye of coordinator