As Oregon moves closer to the start of fall camp, The Oregonian/OregonLive is breaking down the Ducks' roster by highlighting the prominent battles for playing time in each position group.

Today's position: The defensive line

The players: Tui Talia (6-foot-5, 285 pounds, senior) and Henry Mondeaux (6-foot-5, 290 pounds, sophomore).

What's at stake: Oregon wants two groups, or at least six defensive linemen, to rotate through its 3-4 defense, and both Talia and Mondeaux -- role players in 2014 -- are already part of that lineup. But the departure of Arik Armstead to the NFL left a void at one of the three starting positions and star freshman Canton Kaumatule, the future of the line, isn't necessarily ready to take over that spot just yet. That means this might be the opportunity for one of last season's experienced reserves to take the spot and the increased snaps that come with it. That's what is at stake -- the difference between the first and second groups. Why Talia and Mondeaux? Each player set himself up to claim a larger role with solid UO debuts in 2014 and good performances in spring practices.

How Mondeaux fared in 2014: Nine tackles, half of a tackle for loss.

How Talia fared in 2014: 18 tackles, one tackle for loss, half of a sack, and one pass broken up and defended each.

How they fared during spring practice: Mondeaux, a 2014 Jesuit High graduate, emerged as the big winner of spring practices, not only for the defensive line but that entire side of the ball. Both Ron Aiken, his position coach, and Don Pellum, the coordinator, called Mondeaux either the most improved or consistent player in the spring. Mondeaux has added nearly 40 pounds since national signing day in February 2014 and can play everything from nose tackle, to tackle, to end (Talia's position) and inside linebacker, Aiken said. Talia's progress in spring wasn't as praised as Mondeaux's. But when Pellum re-watched the video of the 2014 season in the weeks after its end, he said he was struck by how much Talia improved over the course of his first fall in Eugene. It would seem unlikely that improvement halted in the spring.

Tui Talia

The case for Mondeaux: His versatility and strength -- Aiken mentioned him being one of the unit's strongest players -- make him an enticing Swiss Army knife Oregon might be able to plug into multiple positions without worry.

The case for Talia: Urgency. After transferring from Diablo Valley JC prior to the 2014 season, Talia has only the 2015 season left in Eugene. He is well-regarded as smart and athletic and possesses Popeye-sized arms, all of which could help him transition from a player finding his way during his first UO season into a playmaker.

What they must accomplish during fall camp: To be a major contributor, a Duck would be wise hitting at least these three criteria: They must be versatile, improved at tackling and more consistent at finishing their responsibilities on any given play (what's called "fitting" a gap in coaching parlance).

Also on the roster: Behind returning starters DeForest Buckner and Alex Balducci, candidates include junior T.J. Daniel, sophomore Austin Maloata and freshmen Kaumatule, Jalen Jelks, Rex Manu and Gary Baker.

Other position battles to watch: The secondary.

-- Andrew Greif

agreif@oregonian.com

503-221-8100

@andrewgreif