Basketball Recruiting
Visits
While Oregon’s 63-14 thrashing of “the lesser Tennessee” led the weekend headlines, basketball head coach Dana Altman quietly placed the Ducks in the lead to secure combo guard Darin Johnson (3-Star/Sacramento, CA/Rivals150). “After this visit, Oregon (is) definitely my number one school,” said Johnson. “The visit was great.” A 6’4″ hybrid wing, Johnson’s shooting ability, mixed with an impressive knack to get to the rim, could spell big dividends for an Oregon squad on the rise.
News
Post Waverly Austin in MKA with team managers.
Less than two weeks after committing to play for the Ducks, junior college All-American Waverly Austin (JC/Martinsville, VA) is already logging time in the confines of Matthew Knight Arena. According to the big man’s Twitter account, his first few days in Oregon have consisted of workouts with senior Carlos Emory and plenty of on-court practice to learn the finer points of Altman’s system.
NBA MVP Lebron James tweeted a picture while trying out Oregon's new uniform system.
While Austin was busy in the gym, another hardwood baller made waves on Twitter. After receiving a special gift from the Ducks, none other than reigning NBA MVP Lebron James professed his love for Oregon and the newest uniforms with a “Yell-O” themed Instagram post.
Football Recruiting
Visits
Relatively unknown defensive tackle/tight end Daniel Etuale (NR/Somoa-WA) made his way into Autzen Stadium this past weekend and is ready to commit if he garners a Duck’s offer. “Oregon is a bad*** school,” said Etuale. “I love Oregon. I love the stadium, the coaches, the jerseys, all of it. (They) are by far my top school and if Oregon offers, I’m going there.”
Almost completely unheard of prior to moving to the United States, the 6’3″, 245 lb. jumbo athlete could enroll in Oregon’s upcoming winter term, as he has already graduated from high school. “The coaches said they love my raw ability. They love how big I am and how I am able to move around so well. I’m just lifting weights…and trying to get in better shape.”
Wide receiver John Ross (3-Star/Long Beach, CA) confirmed he will be in Eugene to watch Oregon take-on the “stadium-less puppies” on October 6th. “I’ve been watching a lot of De’Anthony Thomas highlights lately,” said Ross. “I love how they use him in the offense, and I think I could be explosive like that. The offense is crazy fast and I love watching them play.”
A 2014 quarterback prospect, Manny Wilkins (NR/San Marin, CA), has opted to use his one free weekend this fall to attend Oregon’s matchup with “the annoying trees.” Earlier this year, Wilkins was named MVP at Oregon’s team camp and is anxious to get back to Eugene. “I got invited to come up for a game this season, and I’ve decided to visit the week Oregon plays (those who will not be named),” said Wilkins.
A 6’3″, 185 lb. junior, Wilkins fits the mold of current signal-caller Marcus Mariota, possessing poise in the pocket and the ability to run on the fly.
JUCO defensive tackle standout Marquel Combs (4-Star/Woodland Hills, CA) recently opened up his recruitment after previously committing to “an irrelevant SEC program.” Rated as the No. 2 junior college player in America, Combs has been linked to the Ducks on several occasions. “Oregon is in the mix…They are still evaluating me and I would have high interest in them if they decided to recruit me.”
A 6’3″, 305 lb. interior force, Combs will make his program decision on National Junior College Signing Day, December 18th.
News
Staggering accounts broke late Friday night that Oregon running back commit Thomas Tyner (4-Star/Beaverton, OR/RivalsTop-10 RB) had done the unthinkable: a 644 yard/10 touchdown performance to lead Aloha High School to a 84-63 victory. “I had no idea,” said Tyner. “Around the 4th quarter they announced how many yards I had and I didn’t think I had that many…I never limit myself. I keep playing my game and see what I can do.”
Tyner now owns the Oregon high school record for most rushing yards in a game, and was featured prominently Saturday morning on ESPN’s Sportscenter. The news filled the ears of head coach Chip Kelly, who reached out to Tyner before Oregon’s mid-day kickoff.
“Chip (Kelly) called and we talked about how the game went and the record, and he just was excited and wanted to say congratulations to me,” said Tyner. The 6’0″, 207 lb. phenom also reiterated his fierce commitment to the Ducks: “I am down there every weekend. I know I’m going to Oregon, they know I am going to Oregon…I am good.”
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!!!
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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.
