The Oregon Duck offense has historically been good but being good this year may not be easy. Yes, they get their quarterback back. But they also lose a four-year starter at running back, his backup and a four-year starter at left tackle.

For the Oregon offense in 2018 those will be the biggest holes to fill.

This season the Ducks will do something they haven't had to do in a while: Replace their running backs.

It won't just be Royce Freeman who the Ducks need to find a replacement for. It will also be his backup, Kani Benoit. Yes, Tony Brooks James has played backup in the past, but Benoit is the guy that provided the power back up. With Tony Brooks-James and Darrian Felix back they will have quick, fast guys at the position. And maybe Cyrus Habibi-Likio can fill in the big back role on occasion. C.J. Verdell, coming off his Redshirt season, is another possibility. And of course, newcomers Jamal Elliott and Travis Dye will have their chance also, although redshirting is probably their likeliest scenario.

There is no doubt that the Ducks will run the ball next season. How the minutes will be distributed is yet to be determined. There will be lots of opportunities for guys, but that is because there are such big shoes to fill.

Jake’s Take: The most likely scenario is Tony Brooks-James starting with Darrian Felix being his primary backup. Aside from possible durability issues, the problem would be between the tackles and in the red zone. C.J. Verdell has a little more thickness so it will be interesting to see him in the mix this spring. And who knows, maybe Habibi-Likio could be a good option on the goal line or lined up at fullback.

This position isn't quite as bad off as running back in terms of loss of last year's snaps. For 2018, the only guy the Ducks need to replace is Charles Nelson. Nonetheless, that will not be easy. Charles Nelson was very fast and quite versatile. On last years’ team, he was their most viable deep threat. And he was usually healthy. Luckily, the Ducks have plenty of weapons at their disposal coming back.

Starters Dillon Mitchell and Johnny Johnson III will certainly have their opportunities to start again. Junior Brenden Schooler, senior Taj Griffin, sophomores Jaylon Redd and Darrian McNeal, redshirt freshman Daewood Davis and junior Malik Lovette have a chance to earn their snaps as well. There will be lots of guys to see including the new freshmen Jalen Hall, Isaah Crocker and J.J. Tucker.

Jake’s Take: Dillon Mitchell and Johnny Johnson III will likely be starters again in 2018. Who replaces Nelson will be an interesting question. Taj Griffin will be a senior and was highly-touted out of high school. Brenden Schooler, Jaylon Redd and Darrian McNeal all showed flashes of excellence last year. Bottom line is, I would not be surprised to see Redd or McNeal as the third starter. But it’s Griffin’s job to lose.

Just like wide receiver, the offensive line is losing someone very good, but they're also getting lots of guys back. Tyrell Crosby may be one of the best tackles ever to play at Oregon, and he will have his chance to prove it again in the NFL next season.

But the Ducks do get four guys back with starting experience. Calvin Throckmorton, Jake Hanson, Shane Lemieux and Brady Aiello have all started in the past. Other returning guys such as Sam Poutasi, George Moore and Logan Bathke also will contribute. Jacob Capra a guy who has a chance to start. Then there is incoming freshman Penei Sewell who is one of the top offensive lineman ever to sign with the Ducks.

Clearly it will not be easy tree place Tyrell Crosby, but the Ducks have recruited quite well at offensive line over the past several seasons and have lots of depth to show for it.

Jake’s Take: Despite losing the fantastic Tyrell Crosby, the Oregon offensive line could actually be better next year. That is because so much experience and quality is returning. OL’s get better the longer they are together, and these guys have played together for years now. And they should have some depth. If they stay healthy and can find somebody to protect Herbert’s backside, they could be one of the best OL’s in the country next year.