Built around two athletic, aggressive linebackers, the 2014 Riverside City College defense finished in the top 10 in points allowed among California junior colleges, and 12in rushing yards allowed.For an Oregon defense looking to make strides in 2016, those are heights to aspire to. Helping the Ducks toward that goal could be those same two athletic, aggressive linebackers that set the tone for Riverside.Entering Thursday's scrimmage that marks the end of UO preseason camp, much of the two-deep is close to settled. Among the positions still lacking clarity are the MIKE and SAM linebacker spots, each of which could be filled this fall by a Riverside alum. In the middle, transferhas made a strong impression in his competition withand others, while on the outside, fellow Riverside alumhas tried to fend off hard-charging true freshmanEven if they don't take the first rep together in Oregon's first game, Sept. 3 against UC Davis, Hotchkins and Moi figure to have plenty of chances this fall to recreate the success they enjoyed two seasons ago at Riverside."It's a huge thing, both coming from junior college," said Hotchkins, a Portland native. "It's really cool to be here with him."Moi preceded Hotchkins at Riverside, and also at Oregon. A native of Redlands, Calif., Moi grew up playing rugby, and had 46 tackles with 10 for lost yardage in 2013 as a freshman in junior college. Hotchkins arrived at Riverside the next season, and they combined for 183 tackles on a 10-2 team that reached the regional final.Oregon's coaches knew of Hotchkins from when he was an all-state linebacker for Tigard High in 2013. They noted his improvement while recruiting Moi, and last fall, while Moi was redshirting with the Ducks, they extended an offer for Hotchkins to be reunited with Moi in Eugene this year."They're just excited," said senior WILL linebacker, who has played with the two at times this preseason. "Like high school teammates coming in and playing together. I think they're having fun out there."Moi arrived a year ago as an impressive physical specimen, pegged to play either outside linebacker or defensive end in Oregon's old 3-4 defense. With veteransandon hand, the Ducks could afford to redshirt Moi, giving him seasoning on the scout team.This offseason, Moi worked on "fast-twitch stuff" with strength and conditioning coach, adding explosiveness while shedding weight. He's just under 240 pounds this preseason, better equipped to cover ground as the outside linebacker in new coordinator's 4-3 scheme."I'm outside the box, so I have to run around," Moi said. "I was pushing 260 last year, so that's a big difference."Hotchkins arrived in January for the start of winter quarter, and shared an apartment with his old JC teammate until late this summer. Since preseason camp, they've engaged in battles for playing time that have also includedat MIKE, andIV at SAM.With big performances in Thursday's scrimmage, Moi and Hotchkins could earn the right to start together against UC Davis. Either way, they'll be factors this fall for the UO defense."A.J. and Jonah are both aggressive, big players," Ragin said. "A.J.'s not afraid to hit people; he's going to fill the hole, and he's going to fill it fast. Jonah has a lot of athleticism. He's going to make a lot of plays for us."Linebackers coachsaid Moi helped himself this offseason by working hard on his grasp of Hoke's schemes. Hotchkins came in ready to learn from the jump."This summer I'd be in the office, and A.J. pops in," Pellum said. "Or I'd be at home, and A.J. calls; he's watching film and he can't figure something out. He's got an unbelievable drive and toughness. That's welcome in our group."Listed at 5-foot-11, Hotchkins won't be the biggest middle linebacker to play at Oregon. And he acknowledges he'll have to work a little harder in some situations."Guarding taller tight ends and longer-armed guys, it's going to be a disadvantage," he said. "But honestly I think it helps, because it's easier for me to get up under people. It's easier to keep my pad level down."And when Hotchkins is on the field with his former junior college teammate, he and Moi can fall back on chemistry they built together in that fall of 2014, when Hotchkins led Riverside with 101 tackles and Moi added 82."Any time you have a close group, you're better," Pellum said. "Any time I trust you, and really believe you've got my back, and you believe I've got your back, that makes us better."For Oregon's defense in 2016, two former junior college teammates have the chance to make the Ducks better, together.