Recruiting Update: Oregon Looking to add “Rolls Royce”

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting

Eugene NFTC

RB Royce Freeman (4-Star/Imperial, CA)

RB Royce Freeman (4-Star/Imperial, CA)

Held earlier this month, the Eugene Nike Football Training Camp continues to pour out revelations.

Vaunted tailback Royce Freeman (4-Star/Imperial, Calif./Rivals250) could be ever closer to pledging his commitment to the Ducks after an impressive showing that garnered him praise from the Oregon coaching staff.

I loved the hospitality and how they answered all of my questions,” said Freeman. “They all made me feel like I was already part of the team. That really stood out to me and my parents.”

A top Oregon target, Freeman’s trip to Eugene is the only known recruiting excursion for the 6-foot, 215-pound runner. Equally as impressive as the impression of Oregon’s facilities, running backs coach Gary Campbell matched with stirring words for the young prep.

“(Coach) Campbell is a great coach. I like his style of coaching and his attention to detail. I think of it as a challenge with him,” said Freeman. “He’s always trying to perfect you on every carry and I want to perfect myself too.”

Freeman’s parting words could leave Duck fans primed for what could be his eventual commitment.

“I’m going to reflect on the whole recruiting process right now following this trip,” he said. “The visit to Oregon really opened my eyes and now I just need to think things over.”

A fellow camper with Freeman, defensive back Arrion Springs (4-Star/San Antonio, Tex.) came away with an equally impressive feeling of Oregon.

The visit was great, it was crazy nice,” said Springs. “It was nice to spend time with the coaches and see how we all click. I was really impressed with how well coach (John) Neal coaches.”

Long thought to be the team in command of Springs’ attention, Oregon looks to have solidified their chances to land the 5-11, 190-pound athlete.

“They said they like that I’m a great person, not just a great player,” said Springs. “The coaches feel like I could impact the team early. Coach Neal said that this is a very important class (2014) for him.”

News

With Nike’s “The Opening” just around the corner (June 30 – July 3), west-coast based defensive back Jonathan Lockett (4-Star/Santa Ana, Calif./Rivals250) is primed for Oregon campus visit before taking part in one of the nation’s top camps.

I’m going to visit Oregon… on the 27th,” said the Lockett.

Along with the aforementioned Springs, other “Opening” invitees Mattrell McGraw (3-Star/River Ridge, Louis.) and John Plattenburg Jr. (4-Star/Corona, Calif.) have kept in contact with Lockett and discussed the possibilities of joining forces at Oregon.

“I talk to them a lot on Twitter and stuff. I can’t wait to see them in Oregon at the Opening,” said Lockett. “We definitely talk about Oregon a lot. Oregon is definitely one of the ones up (on) my list though.”

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