Football Recruiting
Visits
RB Dontre Wilson (4-Star/DeSoto, TX/Rivals250) talks with Head Coach Chip Kelly during pregame.
In notching our 9th consecutive victory against the hated “northern neighbors,” Oregon’s 52-21 victory may have long-lasting ramifications. Bearing witness to a complete team effort were 18 official and unofficial visitors, including running back and Oregon commit Dontre Wilson (4-Star/DeSoto, TX/Rivals250), linebacker Victor Egu (3-Star/Concord, CA), wide receiver John Ross (3-Star/Long Beach, CA), athlete Juwaan Williams (3-Star/Tucker, GA), and junior college defensive end Sione Sina (NR/San Mateo, CA).
Wilson, who committed to play for Chip Kelly in June, called the experience “incredible” and reaffirmed his intention to come to Eugene. “I’m committed to Oregon. I’m not talking to anyone else,” said Wilson. “I’m all Duck.”
Wilson’s admiration was firmly echoed by Egu. “The trip was amazing. The atmosphere was great, the people were great. It really blew my mind.” Somewhat of a surprise visitor, the second-level stalwart Egu added that “Oregon definitely moved up my list with this trip.”
Fellow undecided west coaster Ross was equally impressed with the Ducks. “The campus is great there, and the facilities are absolutely amazing,” said Ross. “I have very high interest in Oregon… very high.” During his visit, Ross had a special host. “De’Anthony (Thomas) is my guy, we had a blast this weekend. He’s an amazing player, and he’s actually a really humble person to be around. I had a ton of fun hanging out.”
Another receiver/athlete in town, Williams, has added support in potentially adjusting to college life far from home. “One of the freshman receivers, Dwayne (Stanford)… Me and him hit off very well,” said Williams. “We play the same position and he’s from Ohio, so it’s kind of the same travel distance and we can kind of relate, if I go (to Oregon), what I would have to overcome. He would just be like a big brother to me and give me advice and just show me the ropes about how to make it at Oregon.” Williams also noted his first meeting with Kelly. “I felt like he was a real down-to earth coach… He loves his job and he loves the kids that he coaches, and I felt that he would be a great coach that I could just learn from.”
Seemingly coming out of nowhere, JUCO star Sina was an unexpected, yet exciting sight on the Oregon sideline. “I know he really liked his visit to Oregon,” said Sina’s junior college coach, Tim Tulloch. “(He) loves the coaching staff and the defense at Oregon. He was highly impressed with everything they had to offer. He had a real good time.” Considered a hybrid defensive piece, Tulloch touched on similarities between Sina and current Oregon drop end Dion Jordan. “They see him playing the same position as (Jordan) up there… That’s a pretty ideal position for him. I think it fits with his style of play and his speed.”
Other notable visitors in town over the weekend included: offensive lineman and Oregon commit Doug Brenner (3-Star/Portland, OR), linebacker Johnny Ragin (3-Star/Wilsonville, OR), athletes Connor Strahm (2-Star/Eugene, OR), Mike Ralston (2-Star/Eugene, OR), Nick Highberger (NR/Wilsonville, OR), and 2014 wide receiver Dionte Sykes (3-Star/Chandler, AZ).
Prospects
Just over three months ago, we, the Oregon Faithful, got our first glimpse of Southwest superprep Mike Mitchell (4-Star/Plano, TX/Rivals100). “I’m talking with Oregon right now and I want to make them one of my two official visits.” Heading into late fall and up through signing day, Ducks linebackers coach Don Pellum and Co. will do battle with “stressed-out-of-his-mind meyer” to bring Mitchell’s 6’4″, 216 lb. frame and vaunted speed (4.39/40) to Oregon. Stay tuned!
News
The Casanova Center expansion just got a big boost from Oregon legend and former running back Jonathan Stewart. The current Carolina Panthers tailback pledged to donate $250,000 to his alma mater’s newest athletic addition. Specifically, Stewart’s contribution will go towards a state-of-the-art running backs’ squad room housed in the 135,000 square foot facility. Stewart announced his intention to give back to the Ducks through a Tuesday morning press release via the Oregon Athletic Department.
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Mark Flores, a Salem, OR resident, is a Firefighter/Paramedic and an avid Oregon Ducks fan. Prior to the fire service, Flores, a graduate of nearby Corban University, spent over seven years in professional journalism including a stint at the Statesman Journal in Salem and held the position of Sports Editor for the Hilltop News (Corban). A career transition however never dampened his love of writing and FishDuck is now his source to share his love of Mighty Oregon. Flores brings detailed knowledge of Oregon recruiting to the FishDuck team and welcomes your feedback.