Oregon’s post-Civil War recruiting trips may have yielded a new angle in the deep South. Once a seemingly untouchable region, the walls of the “southern accent” conference aren’t so tall anymore.
Somewhat of a sleeper storyline, linebackers coach Don Pellum visited and offered rising senior Zach Cunningham(NR/Pinson, AL). Oregon is a strong contender to land the 6’4″, 196 lb. defender, as he indicated that the Ducks are one of his top program choices.
Defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro spent some time with top Duck target Peter Kalambayi(4-Star/Matthews, NC/Rivals100) in an effort to gauge where the “silly tree” commit stands. “Coach Azzinaro came by and just checked on me,” said the 6’3″, 238 lb. Kalambayi. “They are just letting me know they still really want me to be a Duck and I’m one of the top guys on their board.”
Just 300 miles to the southwest, defensive backs headman John Neal was sitting down with tabbed athlete Juwaan Williams(3-Star/Tucker, GA). “Me and my parents are really comfortable with him, so welcoming him into our home is pretty normal,” said Williams. Oregon is recruiting the 6’1″, 180 lb. jack-of-all-trades at the TBA position, as Williams excels on both sides of the ball. “That was one of the key points we talked about during the visit. During the recruiting process, you either know you’re going to play offense or defense, but not knowing was a complete surprise … now that I have an option to play offense or defense, that makes Oregon more attractive.”
The Ducks cut ties with safety Max Redfield(5-Star/Mission Viejo, CA/Rivals100) due to the absence of available scholarships but now have a collective focus on another prep with connections to Lane Kiffen. Current “southern smog” commit Jalen Ramsey(5-Star/Nashville, TN/Rivals100)may potentially join the aforementioned Kalambayi at Oregon’s second level, as the Ducks extended an offer to the 6’0″, 190 lb. cornerback. With the demise of Monte Kiffen, look for Ramsey’s interest in the Ducks to only increase as we approach signing day.
Interest/Visits
Linebacker Joe Walker(2-Star/Wilmington, CA) will make his way to Eugene this coming Thursday. A JUCO linebacker standout, Walker has the potential to depart his weekend visit with and offer and subsequent commitment, as sources close to his recruitment say both may be in store for the 6’3″, 230 lb. interior defender.
For up to the minute recruiting news, please visit our friends at DUCK TERRITORY who graciously provide FISHDUCK with in-depth analysis and player-generated material. Look for my latest recruiting update every Wednesday, and WTD!!!
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.
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