Dave Iuli spent much of last season doing what offensive linemen are often expected to do.
He kept playing.
Iuli said he tore his lateral triceps during Oregon’s game against Texas Tech, then remained in the lineup as the Ducks continued their season and eventually faced Indiana in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
The injury required surgery after the season and kept him from participating fully during spring practice. While Oregon evaluated the younger linemen who could help rebuild its offensive front, one of the Ducks’ two most experienced returning players spent much of the spring rehabilitating.
Fall camp represents a different beginning.
“I feel great, man,” Iuli said. “We have a great athletic training staff, and we’ve been attacking injuries. I just feel like I’m ready to go.”
Iuli could not practice much during the spring because he was still recovering from surgery, but he continued conditioning and working to restore strength.
“My whole thing this year coming back was just really get back healthy and prepare for this fall camp,” Iuli said. “It feels great now. I can move it. I’m back to benching and everything. It feels great. I’m back to going.”
That return gives Oregon more than another candidate for one of its five starting positions.
