2. Matt Hegarty - Oregon

Matt  Hegarty - 72   Oregon     6-4 295


2015: —The senior transfer broke into the starting lineup at center in Oregon's Sept. 5 season opener and never looked back, providing the experience and maturity that was instrumental in the success of a new quarterback. Not only did the honorable mention all-conference standout start all 13 games, he seldom left the field with the game on the line before being forced to the sidelines in the Alamo Bowl vs. TCU. Proved to be a mainstay for a offense that ranked fifth in the country in rushing (279.9 avg.), scoring (43.0), and total offense (538.2). After the season, he was presented with the Len Casanova Award - given to the Ducks’ first-year player who best exemplifies the athletic ideals and inspiration of the University’s former head coach and athletics director, as well as the Pancake Club Award for knocking down the most opposing defenders
2014: Played at Notre Dame. Opened the final 11 games in 2014, including the 31-28 win over LSU in the Music City Bowl. Demonstrated his versatility by playing at both center and right guard, snapping the football in his last 10 starts
2013: Played at Notre Dame. Saw action in 12 games. Made first career start at Stanford (Nov. 30) as the Irish center in place of an injured Nick Martin. Started at center in the 29-16 victory over Rutgers in the 2013 New Era Pinstripe Bowl (Dec. 28). Saw action in every game except for Navy (Nov. 2). Part of an offensive line that allowed just eight sacks and ranked second in the Football Bowl Subdivision in fewest sacks allowed, No team in the nation allowed fewer sacks and attempted more passes than Notre Dame (eight sacks on 429 pass attempts) in '13 in area of great improvement for the Fighting Irish. In 2012, Notre Dame allowed more than twice as many sacks (18) on 41 fewer passing attempts (388). Helped the Irish run the ball for a season-high 235 yards while not allowing a sack on 28 passing attempts in the victory over BYU (Nov. 23). Michigan State entered the game against Notre Dame (Sept. 21) ranked 14th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in sacks - averaging 3.0 per game, but the Irish did not allow a single sack in 34 pass attempts against the Spartans. Notre Dame struggled to run the ball against Purdue (Sept. 14), but the Irish were successful on their final drive to run out the clock (ran for 42 yards on final drive; just 49 prior to the drive). Notre Dame ran the final 7:22 off the game clock and the Irish converted four third-down plays on the final drive. Arizona State and Stanford both rank tied for seventh in the Football Bowl Subdivision in sacks per game (3.08) yet the duo managed a combined one sack against the Irish.
2012: Saw action in the first nine games, predominantly on the Irish special teams. Played behind veteran center Braxston Cave after moving positions in 2012 spring drills.
2011: Did not see game action during the season.
High School: Ranked 43rd nationally on Sporting News Top 100 list for 2010. Rated 36th on ESPNU Top 150 list and 40th in Rivals.com national prospect rankings. Top-rated player out of New Mexico and sixth-best offensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com. Selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Selected for Team USA vs. The World all-star game in Austin, Texas. RivalsHigh.com second-team All-American. Finalist for Anthony Munoz Lineman of the Year Award at U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Named first-team all-state as a junior and senior in 2009 and 2010. Sports Illustrated High School Player of the Week for Dec. 18, 2010. Helped Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M., to 13-1 record and New Mexico state runner-up finish in 2010. Totaled 81 pancake blocks while not giving up a sack in senior season. Also played on defensive line where he made 11 tackles and half a sack. Helped Aztec rushing attack tally 2,340 yards and 36 TDs in 2010. Member of offense that generated 4,176 passing yards and 48 TDs overall in 2010. Helped pave way for 242 yards rushing and 521 yards passing in 35-28 win over Durango (Colo.) in 2010 Helped opened holes for Aztec running backs for 280 yards and three TDs vs. Kirtland in 2010. Played for coach Brad Hirsch at Aztec High School.
Personal: Son of Bryan and Stacy Hegarty. Enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in management-consulting.