Football Recruiting
News
At Nike’s recent The Opening showcase, rising offensive lineman and new Oregon commit Alex Redmond (3-Star/Los Alamitos, CA) accomplished what few have: block vaunted defensive force and Opening MVP Eddie Vanderdoes (4-Star/Placer, CA/Rivals100).
According to various onlookers, the 6’5, 300 lb. Redmond not only stuffed the highly-publicized defensive end, but blocked him so violently that the equally-large Vanderdoes (6’4, 285 lbs.) sustained a camp-ending shoulder injury. Fellow Duck Faithful, I cannot stress the importance of this recent development enough.
While flying relatively under the radar, Redmond’s dominance over the nation’s top defensive recruit is only the beginning. A new era of Oregon O-Line dominance is coming to Eugene. Stay tuned for upcoming FISHDUCK material on this subject, you’re not going to want to miss this!
Other Oregon-bound Opening participants included running back Dontre Wilson (4-Star/DeSoto, TX) and wide receiver Darren Carrington (3-Star/San Diego, CA). While having previously drawn De’Anthony Thomas comparisons by this writer and others, Wilson all but confirmed his status as a super-prep with well-executed cuts in space and breakaway touchdown runs. Simply put, he’s the real deal.
In minor contrast, Carrington may have experienced the nerves of being amongst equally-talented route runners. A few dropped passes made for some frustration, but his speed and ability to create plays are nonetheless redeeming. Rest assured, Carrington’s raw ability will be molded to fit the ever-evolving shape of Oregon’s offense.
In the midst of out-of-state talent, local product Johnny Ragin (3-Star/Wilsonville, OR) continued his quest to land a Ducks offer. “Oregon has picked up their interest… I’ve been talking to Coach (Don) Pellum and they just want to evaluate me a little more.” While relatively unknown, Ragin’s consistent play at linebacker and performance in Opening isolation tests make a Ducks offer all but certain in the coming months.
Offers
Continuing efforts to bolster perimeter speed came in the form of an offer to wide-out John Ross (4-Star/Long Beach, CA). “I was really surprised about the Oregon offer,” said Ross. “That’s a big offer.” At 5’9, 170 lbs. Ross is a speedster with fuel to burn. If he opts to dawn Lightning Yellow and Thunder Green, Ross may move around on the field before settling in a defined role.
(Ross Highlights Unavailable)
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.