RECRUITING UPDATE: #1-RATED POWER FORWARD HAS OREGON IN FINAL TWO & SUMMER RECRUITING HEATS UP

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Basketball Recruiting

News

Over the weekend, super prep Anthony Bennett (5-Star/Henderson, NV/Rivals150) took one step closer to becoming an Oregon Duck. The nation’s #1-rated power forward and McDonald’s All-American trimmed his endless list of college choices down to two potential destinations: Oregon and unlv (Remember, no capitalization of opposing programs). Over Easter weekend, Bennett visited the Ducks and is said to have been impressed with Oregon’s facilities and Head Coach Dana Altman’s demeanor. Coupled with an almost guaranteed starting position, fellow Findley Prep teammate and Oregon signee Dominic Artis (4-Star/Henderson, NV/Rivals150) may provide the Ducks with enough leverage to bring Bennett to Eugene. (The 6’7, 230 lb. Nike Hoop Summit World Team member is expected to announce his commitment sometime this coming week. Stay tuned!). 

Commitments/Offers

While Bennett is still at large, Oregon landed a pair of commitments coming by way of hybrid tweener Fred Richardson III (NR/League City, TX) and combo-guard Willie Moore (NR/Cincinnati, OH). During the 2012 recruiting cycle, both preps created a strong connection with Assistant Coach Tony Stubblefield. “I talked mostly with Stubblefield, but then I have spoken with Coach Altman a few times and he offered,” said Richardson. “I really liked what he had to say and his plans for me at the next level.” Echoing his new teammate, Moore noted that Stubblefield’s time “coaching … back here” in Ohio played a large part in his decision to join the Ducks. (Both prospects appear to possess the scrap and work ethic necessary find a place in Altman’s system. In an Oregon game plan that puts a premium on versatility, look for Richardson and Moore to play multiple positions before zeroing in on defined roles.)

(Fred Richardson III Highlights Unavailable)

To supplement recent commitments, Oregon offered venerable 2013 point guard Tyler Ennis (4-Star/Newark, NJ/Rivals150). An outstanding passer with full-court vision, the 6’2 Ennis creates opportunities for teammates and can burn defenders if left unchecked. (With an entire prep campaign still to be played, Ennis is no hurry with his recruitment; check back for updates!)

Oregon’s turnaround on the hardwood has top-tier talent holding the Ducks in high regard. Semi Ojeleye’s (4-Star/Ottawa, KN/Rivals150) 6’6 stature and playmaking ability may wind up in Eugene as Oregon is amongst the small forward’s top college choices. (While competing against traditional programs, Oregon’s presence on Ojeleye’s list is encouraging).

Prospects

A pair of West Coast stars, hybrid small forward/shooting guard Jabari Bird (5-Star/Richmond, CA/Rivals150) and shooting guard Jordan Mathews (3-Star/Santa Monica, CA) have professed interest in playing their college ball at Oregon. Bird, a rough and tumble 6’6 shooter, indicated that “I like Oregon because the coaches have always made it known they are at my games. … They’ve shown themselves a lot at my games and I notice that. Plus, I like the relationship I have with the coaches and how they’d like to use me.” About 350 miles up the coast, Mathews, a 6’3 scorer, is taking a family approach in his recruitment, stating that “my dad is the one talking with Oregon, and they are a school I am really interested in.” (Altman’s pedagogy and commitment to putting Duck Basketball on the map is beginning to reap benefits on the recruiting trail. No longer is Oregon glanced over when given the eye-ball test by potential recruits).

(Note: Jordan Mathews is the first player featured in highlight mix.)

Football Recruiting

Visits/News

With warm weather on the horizon, the 2012 summer recruiting season is upon us. Linebacker/defensive end Torrodney Prevot (3-Star/Houston, TX) has a jump on the pre-season period as he intends to visit the Ducks. “With Oregon offering, I want to go up there and check them out, said Prevot. “I’m thinking that will be on October 5th. Then we’ll go from there.” (Measuring in at 6’4, 220 lbs., Prevot’s speed (4.58/40) off the edge is very favorable in the Ducks’ defensive scheme.)

Calling Oregon his “dream school,” dual-threat quarterback Brandon Cox (4-Star/Pasadena, CA) wants a Ducks offer. At 6’2, 185 lbs., Cox has ample size and track speed to compliment accurate passing. “Obviously I love the offense they run…I know they have been talking to all of my coaches, my principals and my counselors,” said Cox. “I haven’t talked to them on the phone a lot yet, but they send me a ton of mail.” (Cox is a dual-sport prep (track/field) who seeks an athletic program with a balance; look no further than Oregon.)

The Ducks make it a priority to pursue prospects that fit their system even if said players are committed elsewhere. Linebacker Isaac Savaiinaea (4-Star/Honolulu, HI/Rivals250) is currently a “tree” commit, but specified that “Oregon was a big offer for me, so we’ll see what happens with them.” (Savaiinaea’s raw athleticism and 6’3, 230 lb. frame makes him a prototypical Oregon target on defense.)

Slashing athlete Myles Jack (3-Star/Bellevue, WA) creates havoc on both sides of the gridiron. While employing 4.5/40 speed, Jack uses all of his 6’2, 215 lb. physique to create mismatches. “I talked to the Oregon coach the other night and he let me know they want me to come back down,” said Jack. “They haven’t offered me yet, but they are recruiting me really hard. I like Oregon a lot and I’m definitely interested in them.” (Tabbed an athlete for good reason, Jack would have no problem finding playing time in an Oregon uniform.)

Prospects

Two cornerback prospects have emerged on Oregon’s radar: Priest Willis (4-Star/Tempe, AZ/Rivals100) and L.J. Moore (4-Star/Fresno, CA/Rivals250). Both shutdown defenders have serious interest in the Ducks with the 6’2, 200 lb. Willis proclaiming, “Oregon … would be (an offer) I’d like to have.” Moore, the smaller of the two at 6’1, 170 lbs., has maintained close contact with Oregon personnel. “Coach Neal was by and said they are real close to offering,” said Moore. “Oregon has really picked up their interest in me lately. I’m definitely interested in them. I know B.J. Kelley up there, and he’s told me some great things about the program.” (Size and speed are in abundance when examining Willis and Moore; Oregon will offer both in the near future.)

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!!!

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