Rose Bowl media day

Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu talks with reporters during Rose Bowl media day on Monday in Los Angeles.

(Thomas Boyd/The Oregonian)

LOS ANGELES — Hroniss Grasu's injury recovery is on the "fast track" and he will play in Thursday's College Football Playoff semifinal against No. 3 Florida State, Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost said Tuesday, a key development for a Ducks line down their All-American center since early November.



"He's been out there all week going full (speed)," Frost said during a press conference at the L.A. Downtown Hotel. "We're hoping he's as close to 100 percent as we can possibly get him for the game.



"Hroniss is a fighter, one of the best kids I've ever been around. He'll be ready to play. Hroniss has exceptional character."



Grasu hasn't played since hurting his lower leg in the fourth quarter Nov. 8 in a victory at Utah. Later that month, Grasu said he underwent a minor procedure to help his recovery.

His return will be a boon against a Florida State (13-0) defense that is expected to blitz Oregon more than any other opponent this season. The Seminoles' defensive line is anchored by All-ACC linemen Mario Edwards Jr. and Eddie Goldman.

Kickoff at the Rose Bowl is 2 p.m. PT.

Grasu, a three-time All-Pac-12 first team selection, had started 50 consecutive games before sitting out his first game after the injury, against Colorado on Nov. 22.

Three days before Frost signaled Grasu would get the green light to play, Grasu himself signaled that he was headed back to the field, no matter the pain.

"When it comes to game time I'll see how I feel and do whatever it takes to play in that game, I can tell you that," Grasu said while at an appearance at Disneyland. "Even if I'm in a lot of pain during the game that pain will be all worth it; that's a big game."



Hamani Stevens moved from left guard to replace Grasu in his absence during a three-game span that was capped with No. 2 UO's 51-13 rout of Arizona in the Pac-12 championship game, in which the Ducks (12-1) ran for a season-high 301 yards.



"Hamani is probably one of the most improved players on our football team this year," Frost said. "He's had an exceptional year, probably exceeded what we expected from him. And when he stepped in at center, we didn't miss a beat in the championship game."



-- Andrew Greif | @andrewgreif