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Former Notre Dame OL Matt Hegarty transfers to Oregon Ducks

By Danny Jaillet

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Oregon added offensive lineman Matt Hegarty to their roster Tuesday and he should be an immediate starter at center.

Oregon added a versatile offensive lineman to their roster Tuesday in Notre Dame fifth-year graduate transfer Matt Hegarty. The announcement was made by the program via Twitter.

He made the choice in March that he would play for another program, citing playing time and a position switch as two of the reasons in his decision to transfer.

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“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that the Notre Dame Football program has afforded me,” Hegarty said, via ESPN. “I want to thank Notre Dame, my coaches, my teammates and friends at school for the four great years I had at Notre Dame. … Recently my coaches informed me that they wanted me to change positions. They also explained that with many younger players in the wings, they wanted to develop them more heavily in the rotation — a need that I understand and appreciate.

Hegarty is durable, starting 11 out of 13 games for the Irish last season at center and guard, seeing his hard work and determination pay off after suffering a stroke during the 2012 campaign. He is eligible to play immediately for the Ducks.

This is a big pickup for the Ducks as Hegarty is viewed as the likely replacement for two-time All-American, Hroniss Grasu at center. Grasu was a four-year starter, three-time All-Pac-12 first team selection, two-time Rimington Trophy finalist and was No. 71 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.

At 6-4.5, 295 pounds, Hegarty is a disruptive force in both run and pass blocking and brings the versatility Oregon offensive line coach, Steve Greatwood, and every coach, with his ability to play three positions.

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