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Football Recruiting
Commitments/Offers
RB Dontre Wilson (4-Star/DeSoto, TX) throws up the Oregon "O."
Last Friday night, highly touted running back Dontre Wilson (4-Star/DeSoto, TX/Rivals250) committed to play his college ball in Eugene. Due to the volume of information being published on this announcement, I invite readers to check out FISHDUCK’s Chris Charbonnier’s latest piece on Wilson’s commitment and subsequent impact on Oregon’s future.
While Wilson’s pledge to suit up for the Ducks dominated the headlines, Oregon quietly extended an offer to emerging running back Craig Lee (4-Star/Redlands, CA). An upright runner at 6’0, 188 lbs., Lee’s quick reads lead to big gains and positive yards on broken plays. (The Ducks are entering Lee’s recruitment a bit late, but nonetheless, never discount the allure of “Speed U.”)
In order to ensure running lanes for the aforementioned Wilson and fellow 2013 backfield commit Thomas Tyner (5-Star/Portland, OR/Rivals#1RB), Oregon handed out an offer to lineman Scott Quessenberry (3-Star/Carlsbad, CA). At 6’4, 265 lbs., Quessenberry’s mobility and second-level blocking ability make him a very intriguing prospect heading into 2013. “I was excited about it… It’s a big one and I’m going to consider them (Oregon),” indicated Quessenberry. (A slated participant in next month’s Nike Football Training camp held in Eugene, Quessenberry will witness first-hand the machine that is Oregon Football. Stay tuned!)
Prospects
Local product Johnny Ragin (3-Star/Wilsonville, OR) makes no secret about a desire to play for his home-state Ducks. “If Oregon offers they will instantly be in my top three,” said the 6’2, 208 lb. Ragin. When not chugging out of the backfield as a fullback, the two-way star can be found making short work of opposing offenses. With hopes of earning a Ducks offer, Ragin plans to head south to attend camp under the watch of Linebackers Coach Don Pellum. “He (Pellum) said the speed at which I play the game, the intensity, I bring to the field, and my overall athleticism is what he likes in my style of play,” said Ragin. (With two in-state commitments already in place (RB Thomas Tyner (5-Star/Portland, OR/Rivals#1RB) & OL Evan Voeller (4-Star/West Linn, OR), expect Pellum and Co. to further evaluate the local talent of Ragin.)
Oregon’s recruiting pull is creeping into the south with its recent offer extension to athlete Greg Taboada (3-Star/Atlanta, GA). The projected, but not limited to, tight end indicated that the Ducks “stand out” and that he plans to visit Oregon sometime during the summer. (Coupled with an ideal size of 6’5, 235 lbs., Taboada’s athleticism and off-field discipline (3.7GPA) would allow a seamless transition from the prep ranks into Head Coach Chip Kelly’s system.)
A trio of defensive backs, corner Kevin King (3-Star/Oakland, CA) and safeties Leon McQuay III (4-Star/Seffner, FL/Rivals150) and Na’im McGee (2-Star/Stockton, CA), have maintained a level of interest in Oregon throughout their respective recruitment campaigns. McQuay’s recently trimmed offer list includes the Ducks, with McGee holding Oregon in the same high regard, calling Autzen Stadium “beautiful” after a spring season visit. (All three prospects possess ample size — King: 6’2/170 lbs., McQuay: 6’2/185 lbs., McGee: 6’0/185 lbs. — to become key components of Defensive Coordinator Nick Aliotti’s scheme. While McQuay’s Southern roots may be difficult to overcome, look for the West Coast duo of King and McGee to be more feasible options for Oregon going forward.)
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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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.