Depth Chart Deep Dive: Oregon Centers

With spring ball in the rearview, and the transfer portal closed, we’re beginning to get an idea of what Oregon’s depth chart might look like in 2023.

Since the end of the 2022 regular season, Dan Lanning’s program added 14 players via the portal while 30 former Ducks opted to seek opportunities elsewhere.

As we near the start of fall camp, the ScoopDuck staff is taking an in-depth, position-by-position look at the Oregon roster.

Next up, the center position.

Spring Synopsis

Oregon will have a difficult task on its hands as it works to replace three-year starter Alex Forsyth.

A three-year starter for the Ducks, Forsyth was the heart and soul of an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the nation last season. While his departure undoubtedly leaves a significant void, Oregon has several strong candidates to replace him.

Jackson Powers-Johnson was one of the best run-blocking offensive linemen in the nation last season, according to Pro Football Focus. While he played primarily at right guard, Powers-Johnson is a natural center who forged a close-knit relationship with Forsyth during his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Marcus Harper II, who started at left guard for the Ducks last season, spent the spring repping at both guard and center. However, he was unable to play in Oregon’s spring game due to an arm injury.

Projected Starter

This will arguably be Oregon’s most competitive position battle during fall camp.

Both Harper and Powers-Johnson are capable of thriving as Oregon’s center. Whichever player doesn’t lock down the starting job there is going to see plenty of playing time at one of the guard spots.

At this point, Powers-Johnson is probably a slight favorite due to the fact that he was fully healthy during spring ball. There is no timetable for Harper’s injury; head coach Dan Lanning said on April 22 that the Oregon coaching staff was being “precautionary” when it opted to shut him down for the remainder of the spring.

While meeting with reporters during Oregon’s pro day in March, Forsyth was asked what Harper and Powers-Johnson could bring to the table for the Ducks in 2023. He spoke glowingly of both players.

“I think Jackson and Marcus, either one of them can play center at a high level,” Forsyth said. “Jackson is obviously more used to center. But I also think he’s a really talented guard — he’s just a good offensive lineman. Same thing with Marcus. He obviously had a lot of starting experience last year and could see them sliding him to guard because he’s a really bright kid. He understands the offense really well.

“I could see either of those guys doing it. … They’re going to be great either way.”

Other than injury, what can change?

It remains to be seen how Oregon first-year offensive line coach A’lique Terry will go about rotating his players in 2023.

His predecessor, Adrian Klemm, typically played his starters as long as they were healthy and available. Powers-Johnson was a “sixth man” of sorts last season and played 400 snaps, but he was the lone reserve offensive lineman who saw consistent, meaningful playing time for the Ducks.

Next season, Harper, Powers-Johnson, Junior Angilau, Steven Jones, Nishad Strother, and Dave Iuli — among others — will all be vying for playing time along the interior. Whichever player does not win the starting center job between Powers-Johnson and Harper will have plenty of competition for playing time at the guard spots.

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