EUGENE -- A year ago, what was to be Matthew Bedford's final season was put in jeopardy.
The Indiana transfer injured his left knee during fall camp, and while he did return the field as expected, he re-aggravated the injury and was sidelined the rest of the season. Granted a medical hardship waiver, the seventh-year senior is back healthy again and vying to start at right guard for the No. 7 Ducks.
"I'm excited to be able to do what I've been wanting to do," Bedford said. "Waiting and waiting and training and training for the moment and the moment is here. I'm ready to attack it."
Coaches and teammates alike lauded Bedford for how he handled last season. He came to Eugene with a one-year plan and had to adapt after the second season-long injury of his career.
Yet Bedford's energy and voice in the offensive line meeting room didn't waiver amid his absence from the field.
"I don't know about most people, but I probably would have been a little sad," fellow offensive lineman Kawika Rogers said. "He came in every single day, great energy, awesome guy, easy to talk to."
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Offensive line coach A'lique Terry believes Bedford's efforts to stay engaged by helping the rest of the group are paying dividends now. Bedford mentored younger players and continued to learn the playbook, which has put him in a better position to take over the starting job once again.
"I know it probably hurt him a little bit, because he wanted to play so bad, but he didn't show it," Terry said. "I know all our guys in our room are appreciative of him because he's been the same person every single day, a leader, vocal, and bringing it. And I know he's having a great camp so far."
Bedford dropped 10 pounds this offseason to get back to his playing weight from 2023, when he played 415 snaps in pass protection and allowed 11 pressures for a 98.5% pass blocking efficiency rating from Pro Football Focus.
"Seeing his progress and the weight that he lost has helped him a lot with his injuries," offensive lineman Dave Iuli said. "That's why he's rolling."
Staying healthy will once again be the goal for Bedford, who played over 2,700 snaps over 39 starts at Indiana, including more than 1,300 at right guard.
"I feel like 100%, feel like I'm back in the saddle," Bedford said. "I got something to prove this season."