Oregon Football: 3 signees who’ll have instant impacts in 2020

The Oregon Ducks lose five offensive linemen from last year’s Pac-12 title squad. That explains why the Ducks went offensive line heavy — five signees — in this recruiting cycle.

The Ducks signed the No. 1 JUCO guard, TJ Bass, in addition to four-star guard Jonathan Denis. Of the offensive linemen they recruited, the Denis and Bass should challenge for starting spots this season. Going back to the idea of changing the narrative, you should recruit well enough for some recruits to plug and play day one.

What you get from Denis are the three characteristics you want from any offensive lineman.

First, he plays with a mean streak. It may sound stereotypical, but offensive linemen should play nasty. It’s their job to stalemate and move people. When he gets a “mouse” he puts them to the turf. He blocks until the whistle. Second, he’s strong and uses it to block with physicality. Third, he has good feet. Denis played some tackle in high school and it showed. He’s nimble and balanced on his feet which will serve him well with Oregon’s blocking schemes.