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Football Recruiting
Offers/News
The #2-rated all-purpose back nationally, Dontre Wilson (4-Star/DeSoto, TX/Rivals250), is expected to announce his college decision following his prep spring game (May 25th).
RB Dontre Wilson (4-Star/De Soto, TX/Rivals250)
Oregon and “some big orange school” in Wilson’s home state are believed to be in an all-out war to land the slashing runner. Wilson visited the Ducks last month and was said to have been blown away by Oregon’s facilities and coaching staff. (Look for a FISHDUCK update later next month regarding Wilson’s program decision.)
Another “National #2,” safety/defensive back Max Redfield (4-Star/Mission Viejo, CA/Rivals100) recently expressed his feelings about the Ducks. “They’ve been on top of the football world over the last couple of years,” said Redfield. “I feel like they’re there talent-wise, and I think I could help them more if I went there.” A perfect blend at 6’3, 195 lbs., Redfield is a tenacious defender who has the capacity to immediately fill the shoes of stalwart senior John Boyett. Not surprisingly, Redfield received an Oregon offer very early in the latest recruiting cycle and has the Ducks among his top five favorites.
TE Josh McNeil (3-Star/Durham, NC)
However, that hasn’t stopped the Ducks from looking to add to the flock. Last week, Oregon offered East Coast tight end Josh McNeil (3-Star/Durham, NC). The 6’5, 235 lb. prep indicated that the Ducks are “standing out” and that he hopes to visit Eugene as his recruitment progresses.
WR John Ross (4-Star/Long Beach, CA)
On the West Coast, wide receiver John Ross (4-Star/Long Beach, CA) is itching to form a recruiting rapport with Oregon. Ross, a 5’9, 165 lb. speedster, said the Ducks are sending him mail and is a “school I want to hear from.”
Two lineman prospects, Erik Bunte (4-Star/Rancho Santa Margarita, CA/Rivals250) and Scott Pagano (3-Star/Honolulu, HI) recently expressed interest in visiting Oregon. Although committed elsewhere (who cares?), Bunte, a 6’7, 310 lb. goliath in the trenches, wants to take a look at the Ducks. Across the ocean, Pagano, a smaller yet more mobile 6’3, 280 lbs., is believed to have Oregon at or near the top of his potential program destinations. Much to the delight of we, the Duck Faithful, both prospects have made it clear that they will visit the Ducks during the summer months.
Linebacker Cameron Judge (3-Star/Westlake, CA) is the latest athletic defender to draw attention from Oregon. The 6’2, 200 lb. Judge has family ties with the Ducks as his father, Christopher, donned Yellow & Green from 1982 through 1985. However, most will recognize the elder Judge as Teal’c in the long-running sci-fi hit Stargate SG1. (I’m a huge nerd, had to throw that in there) Judge, the younger, has excellent open field tackling skills and the closing speed necessary to be an effective force if he opts to follow in his father’s footsteps. In fact, Judge is not the only Oregon football alumnus finding a career in Hollywood, fans of the HBO program Treme’ may recognize a supporting actor on the series as former Oregon running back Kerrell Robinson (1986-90).
News
To supplement perimeter play, Head Coach Dana Altman desperately needs to land a top-tier recruit to bolster front-court returners Tony Woods, Carlos Emory, and EJ Singler. Rated the top power forward recruit nationally, budding superstar Anthony Bennett (5-Star/Henderson, NV/Rivals150) visited the Ducks after stealing the show at the Portland-based Nike Hoop Summit. It appears that the Easter weekend was kind to Oregon as several sources noted that the campus and Altman’s demeanor impressed Bennett, who is believed to be high on Oregon, albeit not in the mainstream media.
If the Duck’s aren’t able to land Bennett, they may find an answer in fellow forward Chris Obekpa (4-Star/Centereach, NY/Rivals150). The east coast product visited Oregon last weekend and is said to be very interested in what the Ducks have to offer. Obepka’s 6’9 stature and heralded shot-blocking ability would spell instant dividends for a Ducks squad looking to strengthen its interior moving forward. (Look for a FISHDUCK reaction to Obekpa’s visit next week.)
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 next Wednesday, WTD!!!
WE, THE GREEN AND YELLOW, WE – THE DUCK FAITHFUL!!!
Follow me on Twitter: @MarkDFlores
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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.