Clarifying The Ducks’ Cluttered Backfield

Josh White FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With an all-time top ten list featuring players like Derek Loville, Saladin McCullough, Reuben Droughns, Jonathan Stewart, LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner — the Oregon football program has always done well with running backs.  The way they have been used has evolved over the years, but the emphasis on stocking the backfield with high quality players remains unaltered. The iron-man-bell-cow-three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust …

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 …

Recruiting Update: Swain Bringin’ the Pain

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting News In a West Team romp, this past Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Game featured a trifecta of touchdowns coming by way of committed Oregon runner Royce Freeman (4-Star/Imperial, CA/Rivals100). On five carries, Freeman opened the country’s eyes to a blend of nimble power where the 6-foot, 227 lb. running back made short work of the East’s feeble attempts to …

Recruiting Analysis: What to Expect Going Forward

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Kevin Cline The next three months should be an exciting time for fans of Oregon football recruiting.  With national signing day approaching, the Ducks are looking to round out their class with some elite players.  While smart money is on Helfrich and company to put together a group that can rival the 2012 and 2013 classes, there is still a …

Recruiting Analysis: The Truth About Rankings and a Full Class Prediction

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Kevin Cline If you’re expecting Oregon to finish high in the recruiting rankings this year, then prepare to be disappointed.  Last week, I went against popular opinion and explained why I thought Oregon would be taking a relatively small 2014 recruiting class.  Now it looks like they might take an even smaller class than I suspected. On Tuesday, Justin Hopkins …

Recruiting Update: 4* RB Tony James Trades Florida Humidity for Oregon Reign

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Steve Francis Football Recruiting Commitments Almost equally impressive as the Oregon offense, a torrential downpour — the likes of which have not seen in Eugene for some time – brought with it the Ducks’ newest commitment: vaunted tailback Tony James (4-Star/Gainesville, FL/Rivals250). “I kind of knew I would be verballing while I was on my visit,” said the 5’9, 175-lb. James.  ”All I …

Oregon Creating An Avalanche On Recruiting Front

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting News Following a tremendous pickup in that of running back Royce Freeman (5-Star/Imperial, Calif./Rivals250), the Oregon snowball continues to build as several top-rated prospects indicated heavy interest in the Ducks. Coming off a spectacular performance at Nike’s The Opening held earlier this month, venerable wide receiver Speedy Noil (4-Star/New Orleans, LA/Rivals100) named Oregon to his top five program …

Recruiting Update: Oregon Commit Mahalak King of Elite 11

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting News Quarterback and recent Oregon commit Morgan Mahalak (3-Star/Kentfield, CA) is quickly gaining fame around the summer circuit camp water cooler. At the latest edition of Nike’s Elite 11 showcase, Mahalak was named top performer and garnered praise from Super Bowl winning signal-caller Trent Dilfer. “Morgan had a very good day. Lots of energy in his body. My …

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: Oregon Trumps SEC Girth with Speed!

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting In regards to The Oregonian‘s recent report, this writer will highlight two pieces of information that will put Oregon in the clear of any major sanctions. “…The (recently released) documents also state (that the) NCAA enforcement staff said they had “no finding of lack of institutional control and no finding of unethical conduct,” key points when it comes …