KYLE GLASER
As Oregon’s starting left guard, Hamani Stevens is under a lot of pressure. The Hemet High graduate is charged with protecting a Heisman Trophy candidate in quarterback Marcus Mariota. He’s responsible for creating space for one of the nation’s most explosive rush ing attacks. He’s the elder statesman of an offensive line under fire for its recent play. It’s a lot on Stevens’ shoulders. But after spending a two-year mission for the Mormon church in the Philippines, living in rural villages without running water, electricity or modern plumbing, nothing on the football field seems too much to handle. “In a way you saw real life problems,” said Stevens, a redshirt senior. “Football is just a sport and everything is controlled and there’s never anything life-threatening. At times it kind of does help to remember there are really big problems out there.” Stevens, 24, is the oldest and most experienced member of the Ducks offensive line. He arrived in Eugene back in 2008 and redshirted that first year before embarking on his mission. When Stevens returned to campus before the 2011 season, he was a very different person than the one who left. “When Hamani first got here I think he was a little bit immature, a little bit of a follower,” Oregon offensive line coach Steve Greatwood said. “The last few years (since he came back) he’s developed into an outstanding leader for us. The way he carries himself, his work ethic, it’s the whole pack age.” Stevens’ maturation resulted directly from his time in the Philippines. He traveled from town to town rebuilding and repairing homes damaged by floods. He worked long days in the fields helping farm crops. He witnessed starvation, disease and poverty on an unthinkable scale. He saw life at its barest, and as a result gained an appreciation for what he had. “It was a whole new experience, a life-learning experience,” Stevens said. “Just seeing how well we have it here, how hard people have it other countries – and seeing it every day for two years – it really humbled me and made me grateful for the things I have. Our little problems here are nothing compared to the problems in their lives.” Those experiences inspire Stevens to keep going on the football field, no matter how tired or sore he may be. He played 898 snaps last year, the most of Oregon’s offensive players, while starting all 13 games. This year he is one of only two Ducks linemen to start every game, and has quickly become an example for his younger teammates. “The notes he takes, the way he prepares, the questions he asks, his attention to detail, it all has been firstrate,” Greatwood said. “It’s a great example for the young guys to follow, how to prepare week in or week out for a college football game.” With Oregon trying to rebound from a stunning loss to Arizona last week, it’s Stevens many of the younger offensive linemen are looking to for stability and leadership. In large part because of his mission trip, Stevens is more than capable of filling that role, as he has for years. “Especially after losing last game, you have to remember life goes on and we need to be thankful for the things we have,” he said. “The kind of pressure people put on you to perform, it really doesn’t affect how I play.” STEVENS AT A GLANCE
School: Oregon Age:24 Year: RS Senior Position: Guard Height:6-3 Weight: 307 High School: Hemet Accolades:Most snaps played of any Oregon offensive player in 2013; played in 2011 Pac-12 championship game; 2-time all-CIF selection