Latest news with #IapaniLaloulu
USA Today
22-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Checking in with the Oregon Ducks OL room ahead of the 2025 season
We are less than 50 days away from the start of the 2025 college football season, and fewer than two weeks stand between us and the beginning of the Oregon Ducks' fall camp getting off the ground in Eugene. While coaches and players wrap up their final couple of offseason weeks, we're ready to jump back into things and take a deep dive into what's set to take place at Autzen Stadium this year. The Ducks are coming off of an incredible season that saw a 12-0 regular season, a Big Ten Championship, and the No. 1 seed in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. The offseason brought significant roster turnover as Oregon sent a program record 10 players into the 2025 NFL draft; however, those players have been replaced by a young yet incredibly talented group of players ready to uphold the standard in Eugene. Will they be able to complete the job? Expectations are high, but it won't be an easy task. Over the next few weeks, many questions will be asked, and a significant number of them will be answered. Once we get a look at things during fall camp, we will be able to predict more accurately how things shape up. However, we already have our depth chart projections for offense and defense from spring. As we continue our preview of the 2025 season, leading up to the kick-off vs. Montana State on August 30, let's take a deep dive, position by position. Previous Position Previews Now let's take a closer look at the offensive line as we prepare for fall camp. Overall Oregon Ducks Offensive Line Check-In The standard has been set astronomically high for the offensive line in Eugene, thanks to back-to-back Joe Moore Award finalists under OL coach A'Lique Terry. Getting back to that level of play will be a tall task this year, as the Ducks have just one returning starter among the front five — center Iapani Laloulu. Around him, Oregon will use a mix of transfers and home-grown talent to fill out the starting five, and likely utilize the first couple of games of the year to figure out the best combination of players to do so. There is a ton of talent at the position with the likes of Isaiah World and Emmanuel Pregnon anchoring the left side, but how cohesive everything will be together is yet to be seen. Departing Oregon Ducks Offensive Linemen Analysis: Josh Conerly made good on his time at Oregon, coming in as a highly-touted 5-star recruit, and leaving as a first-round draft pick, selected by the Washington Commanders. He had a tremendous junior season at Oregon and capitalized on the opportunity to make the jump to the next level. Oregon will have some big shoes to fill in his stead. Analysis: Cornelius returned to Oregon for his final year in 2024 rather than going to the NFL, and after having a very solid season at RT protecting Dillon Gabriel's blindside, he landed with the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the NFL draft. Analysis: After suffering an injury in his first year with the Ducks in 2023, Strother stepped up in a big way this past year, becoming a starter at LG and filling a big hole that was left by Matthew Bedford's preseason injury. Analysis: Marcus Harper was one of the longest-tenured Ducks on the roster, and he played very well last year, moving from his LG spot over to RG to fill in after injuries took place early in the season. Harper has acted as a staple on the line over the last several years, so replacing him on the starting line is not going to be easy. Analysis: George Silva hit the transfer portal this spring after having his one final year of eligibility approved by the NCAA. However, he has yet to commit to any school for the 2025 season. Returning Oregon Ducks Offensive Linemen Analysis: Iapani Laloulu played several roles as a true freshman in 2023, and he served as the starting center in 2024, doing a great job holding things down up front. While there is still room to improve, the Ducks can feel confident that they have their starting man in the middle going into a new season with no questions about what they will get from No. 72. Analysis: After dealing with a foot injury throughout the offseason and the start of the season, Dave Iuli was able to return to the field midway through 2024 and rotated in at the right guard spot with Nishad Strother. Iuli played very well and will be in a good position to compete for a starting spot in 2025. Analysis: This past year, Bedford suffered a knee injury in fall camp and missed his entire senior season. Granted another year, he will now compete for the starting right guard for the Ducks, bringing a veteran and versatile player with a lot of high-level experience. Analysis: Kawika Rogers worked in multiple spots on the offensive line last year while the unit dealt with some injuries, and he played well when given the opportunity. With a chance to compete for a starting spot this season, Rogers should be in the mix as an important piece going forward. Analysis: Gernorris Wilson has been a solid depth player for the Ducks in 2024, and he has a good chance to move into strong competition for the starting right tackle spot this year after serving as a six-man of the OL last season. Analysis: After redshirting as a freshman in 2024, Fox Crader will work to establish a spot on the depth chart and find a way into the rotation in 2025. Analysis: After redshirting as a freshman in 2024, Trent Ferguson will work to establish a spot on the depth chart and find a way into the rotation in 2025. Analysis: After redshirting as a freshman in 2024, Devin Brooks will work to establish a spot on the depth chart and find a way into the rotation in 2025. Incoming Oregon Ducks Offensive Linemen Analysis: The Ducks hit big in the transfer portal this year, landing Isaiah World, who was the No. 1 overall ranked player in the portal. At 6-foot-8, 310 pounds, World has an ideal body makeup for a left tackle at the next level, and he will use his one year at Oregon to boost his NFL draft stock and head off to the league after that. Analysis: With both Conerly and Cornelius gone, Oregon went to the portal for both of their tackle spots this year, and Harkey is expected to hold down the RT spot across from Isaiah World. Harkey spent time at both Colorado and Texas State in his career, and was the No. 6 OT in the portal this offseason. Analysis: Emmanuel Pregnon was one of the late additions to Oregon's roster out of the portal, but he should have a significant impact, likely taking over the starting left guard spot after transferring in from USC. Analysis: Ziyarre Addison is one of the 4-star linemen coming in for the Ducks in the 2025 class. More than likely, he will redshirt in 2025 and work to get into the rotation after that. Analysis: Zac Stacausky is one of the 4-star linemen coming in for the Ducks in the 2025 class. More than likely, he will redshirt in 2025 and work to get into the rotation after that. Analysis: Douglas Utu is one of the 4-star linemen coming in for the Ducks in the 2025 class. More than likely, he will redshirt in 2025 and work to get into the rotation after that. Analysis: Demetri Manning is a 3-star lineman coming in for the Ducks in the 2025 class. More than likely, he will redshirt in 2025 and work to get into the rotation after that. Predicting Oregon Ducks Offensive Line Left Tackle: Isaiah World Left Guard: Emmanuel Pregnon Center: Iapani Laloulu Right Guard: Matthew Bedford Right Tackle: Alex Harkey Analysis: The left side of the line feels pretty locked up, with Isaiah World and Emmanuel Pregnon stepping in as starters alongside Iapani Laloulu. Who fills out the right guard and right tackle spots will be interesting to see. Right now, my money is on Matthew Bedford and Alex Harkey, but don't be surprised if guys like Dave Iuli and Gernorris Wilson push for starting roles as well. Overall Oregon Ducks Offensive Line Outlook The A'Lique Terry era in Eugene has been a booming success, with back-to-back Joe Moore Award finalist lines, and some big wins both in the transfer portal and the recruiting front. While you don't want to have to go to the transfer portal to get three starting offensive linemen, the Ducks did what they had to do this past offseason to fill the holes. Going forward, there is a lot of young talent ready to develop and step up in Eugene. Oregon also got a commitment from 5-star OT Immanuel Iheanacho this past month, one of the top OTs in the nation this cycle. Going forward, there is no reason to believe that the Ducks' OL play is going to take a dip. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
USA Today
19-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Iapani Laloulu, C, Oregon
NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Iapani Laloulu, C, Oregon Summer is here, and it is everyone's favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota. Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans. So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall. Player Information Player: Iapani Laloulu School: Oregon Height/Weight: 6-2/325 lbs. Player Background - 4-Star Recruit - Under Armour All-American - Freshman All-American in 2023 - All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2024 Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season - 28 Career Games - 15 Career Starts Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season - 66.6 PFF Run Blocking Grade - 79.9 PFF Pass Blocking Grade - 623 Run Blocking Snaps - 760 Pass Blocking Snaps Player Traits - Excellent awareness to pick up defenders - Great balance and footwork - Has the power to handle anyone and knock defenders on their heels - NFL size and length to plug and play as a rookie Player Summary Iapani Laloulu immediately emerged as one of the top-tier options in this class at the center position, alongside Jake Slaughter. Laloulu has excellent awareness to pick up defenders who try to swing inside the middle of the offensive line to break through. He never gets caught off guard, allowing for some excellent pass rush reps. He generates excellent power off the snap and can punch defenders back on their heels. To top it all off, he has the size to be able to do all of this to NFL-sized players when he is drafted next April.
USA Today
19-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Iapani Laloulu, C, Oregon
NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Iapani Laloulu, C, Oregon Summer is here, and it is everyone's favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay. Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans. So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall. Player Information Player: Iapani Laloulu School: Oregon Height/Weight: 6-2/325 lbs. Player Background - 4-Star Recruit - Under Armour All-American - Freshman All-American in 2023 - All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2024 Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season - 28 Career Games - 15 Career Starts Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season - 66.6 PFF Run Blocking Grade - 79.9 PFF Pass Blocking Grade - 623 Run Blocking Snaps - 760 Pass Blocking Snaps Player Traits - Excellent awareness to pick up defenders - Great balance and footwork - Has the power to handle anyone and knock defenders on their heels - NFL size and length to plug and play as a rookie Player Summary Iapani Laloulu immediately emerged as one of the top-tier options in this class at the center position, alongside Jake Slaughter. Laloulu has excellent awareness to pickup defenders who try to swing inside the middle of the offensive line to break through. He never gets caught off guard, allowing for some excellent pass rush reps. He generates excellent power off the snap and can punch defenders back on their heels. To top it all off, he has the size to be able to do all of this to NFL-sized players when he is drafted next April.
USA Today
10-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Minnesota Vikings make unique trade in Way-Too-Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Minnesota Vikings make unique trade in Way-Too-Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft We're still over a month away from training camps opening for the 2025 season. But that doesn't mean NFL draft enthusiasts aren't ready to share their 2026 mock drafts. There are several reasons the exercise is premature. We have no tape to go by in 2025 yet. So the projections are mostly a copy-and-paste from last year's standings, shuffling a few teams here and there based on the splashiest free agency and draft moves from this spring. It's also hard to get the most hardcore fans into draft mode until the Super Bowl is over. Yet here we are, with a June mock for next year's draft. And it has the Minnesota Vikings trading down with the Chicago Bears. This weekend, Mark Stolte of Pro Football Network believed a first-round mock draft wasn't enough, instead giving us a three-round mock for 2026. He projected the Vikings to move down from pick 15 to 18, only gaining a fifth-round pick in the exchange. Once on the clock, Stolte had the Vikings choose Oregon center Iapani Laloulu. The 6'2", 325-pound center played 970 snaps in 2024, lining up at center for 854 of them. Says Stolte: Iapani Laloulu started at center for Oregon in 2024 and put up strong numbers. He didn't allow a sack in 760 pass-blocking snaps, and in the run game, Oregon averaged 4.7 yards per carry in the A-gap — proof of his power inside. This pick helps the Minnesota Vikings keep the offensive line rolling when Ryan Kelly eventually retires. It may not be a sexy pick, much like when the Vikings took Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson in the first round back in April. But Kelly just turned 32 and has missed ten games due to injury in the past two seasons. For those who are wondering, the Bears took Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the 15th pick. The compensation doesn't seem to make the move worth it for the Vikings. Furthermore, the trade itself suggests the Vikings finish last in the NFC North. It isn't impossible, but that would likely mean that J.J. McCarthy's first season as a starter didn't go as well as fans hoped. Fortunately, the Vikings had plenty of draft capital after this pick. With the 47th selection, Stolte had the Vikings take Washington cornerback Tacario Davis. At pick no. 79, the Vikings took Alabama safety Keon Sabb. And with the 98th pick, the Vikings took Minnesota Golden Gopher running back Darius Taylor.
USA Today
01-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
PFF says Oregon has one of the top offensive lines in the country
PFF says Oregon has one of the top offensive lines in the country Oregon football had one of the best offensive lines in college football last season. But many of that group moved on, leaving the Ducks to fill the void with some very talented, but somewhat inexperienced linemen in their wake. Even so, Oregon is expected to possess one of the best offensive line units in the country. At least that's how the analytical site PFF sees it. In their latest ranking of the Top 5 offensive lines for the 2025 season, PFF has Oregon coming in at No. 5. Ahead of the Ducks is to no one's surprise No. 1 Alabama. The Crimson Tide kills in recruiting along the offensive front and Nick Saban's retirement hasn't changed that. Unlike Alabama, No. 2 is a surprise in Utah. Their style of offense calls for a beefy offensive line, and the Utes' move to the Big XII has helped them acquire really good linemen. At No. 3 is Texas A&M. It's no surprise that an SEC team has a superior offensive line, and at No. 4 is another SEC team, Florida. The Gators have been known more for their speed, but surviving in the SEC calls for a good offensive line. Oregon went to the transfer portal to bring in the likes of Isaiah World from Nevada, Alex Harkey from Texas State and Emmanuel Pregnon from USC to shore up the line. According to PFF, center Iapani Laloulu holds down the fort for the Ducks. "As good as those three (World, Harkey and Pregnon) are, the star of the unit is still junior Iapani Laloulu," writer Max Chadwick said. "He's my No. 2 returning center in America and was one of only six in the Power Four to earn top-20 grades in pass blocking and run blocking last season. Laloulu still hasn't surrendered a sack across 720 career pass-blocking snaps. The only real unknown is right guard Dave Iuli, but he did start four games for the Ducks last year." Oregon will also be breaking in a new quarterback, most likely Dante Moore. Protecting him will be one of the most important keys to the Ducks' season in 2025. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
