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COLLEGE FOOTBALL Ducks pick up Notre Dame center Comment By Ryan Thorburn Eugene Register-Guard MailTribune.com By Ryan Thorburn Eugene Register-Guard Posted May. 27, 2015 at 5:39 PM By Ryan Thorburn Eugene Register-Guard Posted May. 27, 2015 at 5:39 PM » Social News EUGENE — A former Notre Dame center could be snapping the ball to a former Eastern Washington quarterback for Oregon this fall. Mark Helfrich and his staff continue to take advantage of the graduate transfer rule in reloading for another College Football Playoff run, announcing Tuesday on the official coaches Twitter account that offensive lineman Matt Hegarty, an experienced starter for the Irish in 2014, is transferring from Notre Dame to play his senior season with the Ducks. Hegarty figures to be in the mix to replace four-year starter and All-American Hroniss Grasu at center for Oregon, which will add Eastern Washington star Vernon Adams to the post-Marcus Mariota quarterback competition after his graduation next month. Jake Pisarcik, Cameron Hunt, Matt Pierson and true freshman Zach Okun all took reps at center during spring practice. Doug Brenner was injured but will also compete for the starting job during fall camp. “It’s been good, it’s been competitive. It’s kind of like when you’re talking about quarterback, that position is vital,” Helfrich said of the center position following the spring game on May 2. “It’s just going to be a mix and mash deal, who are the best chess pieces?” Despite losing Jake Fisher to the NFL, Oregon has some strong pieces to work with on the edges with the return of senior Tyler Johnstone at left tackle and Tyrell Crosby coming off a strong freshman season at right tackle. Pisarcik, Hunt and Pierson are versatile enough to start at any position along the line. Stetzon Bair, Elijah George, Haniteli Lousi and Evan Voeller add some quality depth. Steve Greatwood also has four redshirt freshmen and a talented incoming class on the way. The center makes all of the calls and leads the group, something Grasu did as well as any player Oregon’s longtime offensive line coach has seen. “You’ve got to be the glue that holds it all together,” Greatwood said of the search to replace Grasu, who is now a rookie vying to start for the Chicago Bears. “We do some good things at times and then we lose a little focus at times, particularly with the younger guys. That’s a big thing and that’s all just repetition.” According to the Chicago Tribune, Hegarty suffered a stroke on Nov. 8, 2012, and subsequently underwent surgery to repair two previously undetected holes in his heart that had existed since birth. The 6-5, 295-pound fifth-year senior, who is available to play immediately for Oregon, recovered from the health scare to play in 12 games in 2013 before starting 11 games at center and guard for the Irish last season. “My goal is to contribute this season, continue to develop my skills and pursue my dream of playing in the NFL,” Hegarty told ESPN.com in March. “Because of this goal, I have asked for a transfer to play at another school where I can contribute more on the field. Notre Dame has amassed formidable depth on the O-line and have many very talented players to fill all positions.” By Ryan Thorburn Eugene Register-Guard MailTribune.com By Ryan Thorburn Eugene Register-Guard Posted May. 27, 2015 at 5:39 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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