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Most of the Oregon faithful got their first glimpse of Austrian-born defensive force Thomas Schaffer (3-Star/Lake Forest, Ill) in the infancy of the 2015-16 recruiting cycle. Now heading into the summer months, Schaffer remains a hot topic around Oregon’s defensive line as Ron Aiken continues to make inroads to gain the international’s signature.
“(Oregon is) really up there for me because they are the first college football team I knew of and watched. They have sentimental value. But being a great football team and having a great community seems even more appealing to me,” said Schaffer. “(Oregon has) a great program. I feel like I could develop in any and every way, on and off the field.”
Heading into his final campaign as a prep, Schaffer is already looking the part of a potential NFL prospect. At 6’7, 280 lbs., Schaffer would be a great fit to replace to-be senior DeForest Buckner, a projected first-round pick in next year’s draft. According to Schaffer,”They see me working as … a DeForest Buckner.”
He has been trying to get on campus since an official offer was extended and maintains he will make Oregon a priority for an official visit in the fall. Stay tuned!
To view Schaffer highlights, please click here.
Oregon’s pull in the Chandler, Arizona, area has been well-known over the past decade. Another prep now seems poised to follow former Ducks to Eugene. Chase Lucas (4-Star/Chandler, AZ) has yet to settle on a position at the collegiate level but, nonetheless, is finding communication aplenty from the Ducks.
“Oregon is looking at me for corner, and coach [John] Neal will be by next week on Tuesday. If Oregon offers, that will be a huge honor for me,” said Lucas. A 5’11, 177 lb. jack-of-all-trades, Lucas is the type of prep who could be steered towards a spot on the depth chart only to come into camp and move around. However, the uncertainty isn’t an issue for the Southwest prep, who’s taking everything in stride.
“I’m more focused on the school and academics rather than the position. I’m not really worried about the position. That will take care of itself. If Oregon offers, they will definitely be up there. It’s always been a big school for me.”
For up-to-the-minute recruiting news, please visit our friends at Duck Territory, who graciously provide FishDuck.com with in-depth analysis and player-generated material. Look for my latest recruiting update every Wednesday. WTD!!!
Top photo by Kevin Cline
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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.
