Redshirt Junior Oregon defensive lineman Sam Kamp gained approximately 30 pounds over the offseason. The 290 pound lineman from Mesa, Arizona ate about 7,000 calories per day while working with strength and conditioning coach Jim Radcliffe. In his fourth year with the Ducks, Kamp has been making the best of his opportunity to play in the defensive lineman rotation.

“I’ve been working since I got here,” Kamp said. “I just finally got an opportunity.”

Kamp has recorded 16 tackles — which ranks him third among the defensive line group — and a sack this season.

With fast paced offenses ruling the majority of Oregon’s schedule, the defensive line can’t be thin. There needs to be depth in order to create a rotation that works.

“The key thing I want to see — no matter who’s in the ballgame — is that we’re all doing the same thing and we’re getting the same result,” defensive line coach Ron Aiken said.

The depth has been on display over the last four weeks. Starting defensive end Arik Armstead has missed two of the last four games for the Ducks. Armstead also left last weekend’s 45-16 victory over Stanford early. In his place, the combination of Kamp and junior college transfer Tui Talia have benefited the most.

“They’ve been asked to have a bigger role on the defensive line, and they’ve played big in the big games down the stretch,” Armstead said. “They’re doing an excellent job.”

From the sideline, Aiken expects the production to stay the same from the players replacing Armstead.

“If they go in, they know the same expectations are set for them, as they were for Arik,” Aiken said. “They know they have to get it done.”

When talking about his defensive line, Aiken is quick to note that Talia, a 6-foot-5 transfer from Diablo Valley College, is one of the most talented in the bunch. Adjusting to the Oregon system has been a step-by-step process.

“He’s only been in our system for nine months and so he’s getting better everyday,” Aiken said. “He’s a very talented young man.”

Along with Talia, freshman Henry Mondeaux has garnered experience and made an impact for the Ducks. Mondeaux has had nine tackles and a half a sack for the Ducks.

Mondeaux set himself apart from other newcomers early. He showed a relentless need to never stop moving his feet and to always play the defensive end position at full throttle. For that, Kamp nicknamed him the “Tasmanian Devil” earlier this year.

“It’s just awesome to watch,” Kamp said. “He loves the game so much and he loves working hard.”

Aiken describes Mondeuax’s best asset as an “unbelievable motor.” He said it’s a key element to a successful defensive lineman’s repertoire. On many occasions, Aiken has seen Mondeaux run from the backside of a play and make the tackle on a running back going away from him.

“He’s got the ability to get off a block and burst,” Aiken said. “He can run guys down.”

Overall, the entire defensive line group has worked to improve its consistency in fundamentals. Part of that involves taking what has been learned in practice to the game.

“We can drill it over and over again in individual drills,” Aiken said . “But then you have to transfer it to game day.”

Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt