Duckling Profile: Khalil Oliver Fights to Fill Defensive Gap

Forrest Welk FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football recruiting is often akin to the careful planning of an investor. Coaches invest capital into players whom they feel will fill larger roles in the future. Oregon is no exception, as the Ducks are known for seeking youth and athleticism to fill gaps in their roster. With the departure of several key defensive backs, freshman Khalil Oliver looks to show …

Recruiting Update: Oregon adds Chain and Buck

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting Commitments Continuing a hastened march to an inaugural playoff berth, Oregon trashed the ever-changing tree (palm – circa 2014) 45-16. Off the field, the Ducks continued to lumberjack their way to the top in the form of two fresh commitments coming by way of defensive end Canton Kaumatule (4-Star/Honolulu, HI/Rivals250) and class of 2016 wide receiver Dillon Mitchell …

Oregon Football Recruiting Analysis: Grading the Class

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

National LOI signing day is a lot like Christmas for those of us who follow recruiting. A few of us have rich parents and expect the world, while others come from blue collar families.  All of us wake up early and wait in agony for mom and dad to come downstairs so that we can start opening presents.  Sometimes, we …

Oregon Football Recruiting Analysis: Wild Week Awaits

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With less than a week left before national signing day, there are plenty of questions surrounding Oregon’s 2014 recruiting class.  The only guarantee is that the next seven days will be eventful, one way or another.  There are also seven names to keep an eye on during that time:  DT Trey Lealaimatafao, DT Rika Levi, DT Ratu Mafileo, S Matrell …

Oregon Football Recruiting Analysis: This Class is “Good,” not “Great”

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Recruiting is a merciless and often brutal component of the college football system.  There’s no reason to sugar-coat it: the past couple weeks haven’t been ideal for the Ducks.  This is not going to be another article about Budda Baker.  There are plenty of those.  The fact is Baker is a great player and a great kid with a chance …

Recruiting Analysis: Ducks Dodge Disaster

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

When news broke that Don Pellum was going to be Oregon’s new defensive coordinator, a number of people asked me how it would affect recruiting.  ”It won’t,” I said, “the thing to watch is whether or not John Neal stays put.”  I was worried, since I knew that Neal really wanted that defensive coordinator position.  How would he react to …

Recruiting Analysis: Buckle Up as National Signing Day Approaches Like a Blur

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Coaches don’t get gray hair in November, they get it in January.  This is the time of year, while most think college football has gone cold and dark, that coaches everywhere are making a frenzied final push to sign the best class they possibly can.  This includes ensuring their class doesn’t suffer any losses, which is tough considering the number …

Recruiting Update: Late Push Yielding Early Results in 2014?

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Kevin Cline Football Recruiting Visits Entering the twilight of the 2014 recruiting cycle, Oregon has made no bones about an unshakable desire to keep their tabbed recruits.  Now in mid-December, Oregon’s list of commits sits at 15 with several “still at-large” preps shoring up the final stages of their recruitment. This past weekend, longtime Oregon defensive back target Mattrell McGraw …

Oregon Football Recruiting Cycle Ending with Fab Five Finish

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Kevin Cline Usually, early December is far too early to accurately predict an Oregon recruiting class, but this year might be the exception.  After landing their 15th verbal commitment earlier in the week from JUCO stud Offensive Guard Haniteli Lousi, it appears that the Ducks are going hard after just five more players.  Who are these five special targets? 1) …

Recruiting Update: Oregon’s New Pipeline

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting Fall Camp Update A mere 11 days away from our season opener, the Men of Autzen continue to make strides that will lead us to another date: January 6, 2014. Entering Week 3 of fall camp, the class of 2013 is making its presence felt with several players in the hunt for playing time during this upcoming season. Between …

Recruiting Update: Smooth Sailing on the Horizon

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting Update News Vaunted tailback Royce Freeman (4-Star/Imperial, CA) recently indicated that the Ducks have garnered his increased attention. “Oregon is a well-established program with a high powered offense,” said Freeman. “I really like coach (Gary) Campbell. I feel like he gives you every opportunity to earn playing time.” Currently holding an Oregon offer, Freeman will journey to Eugene …

Recruiting Update: Helfrich Outdueling SEC for Prime Preps

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting Visits With anticipation for Oregon’s annual spring game reaching a fevered pitch, safety Mattrell McGraw (3-Star/River Ridge, LA) quietly made his way into Eugene this past week.  “It was beautiful, it was more than I could have thought of,” said McGraw.  “I can’t even describe how at home I felt with this whole visit… I felt like I …