PF Jordan Bell (4-Star/Long Beach, CA)
Basketball Recruiting
Signings
Last Thursday, Head Coach Dana Altman & Co. signed a program-changing low post presence in power forward Jordan Bell (4-Star/Long Beach, CA). Heralded as one of if not the top shot blocker in the nation, the 6’8″, 225 lb. defensive force is an early headline in Oregon’s 2013 recruiting class. “Bell is an absolute stud of an athlete and has a big-time motor,” said AAU Coach Etop Udo-Ema. “He’s also one of the most versatile defensive players in the country. He can guard the one to the five… Defensively, he can play anywhere.” Also jotting down his name to play for the Ducks, my alma mater’s A. J. LaPray (3-Star/Salem, OR). The 6’4″, 180 lb. Sprague High School senior will trade the post for the perimeter when he heads to Eugene, and could be a sleeper pick for early contribution.
With the addition of Bell, LaPray, and Brazilian national power forward Cristiano Felicio (NR/Pouso Alegre, Brazil), the Ducks now hold three signed LOIs and a pair “hard commits” in twins Tyree and Tyrell Robinson (3-Star(s)/San Diego, CA).
Football Recruiting
Visits
Oregon’s continued diligence on the recruiting trail with “committed-elsewhere” prospects could spell huge dividends come signing day. Otherwise tied-up prospects; linebacker Peter Kalambayi (4-Star/Matthews, NC/Rivals100) and lineman Nico Falah (4-Star/Bellflower, CA/Rivals250) made their way into Autzen over the weekend and emerged with a lot to think on heading into the winter. “I’ve only been to a few games, but it was nothing like I’ve ever experienced,” said Kalambayi. “Oregon does an amazing job getting the most out of their players.” His sentiments were echoed by Falah, who professed “It was really about my comfort level while I was there. That really stood out to me. I don’t how to explain it, but I was never nervous and it was just a great experience… That definitely was something that had an impact on me.”
While still uncommitted, Oregon seems to have made a strong impression on running back Tarean Folston (4-Star/Cocoa, FL/Rivals250). “[Tarean] really liked it,” said prep coach John Wilkinson. “He had a great experience, and he had nothing but good things to say.” Folston, a 5’10”, 195 lb. downhill runner with a quick burst also maintains strict discipline in the classroom (3.57GPA), a strong selling point at Oregon. Wilkinson hinted that Folston’s official visits may be concluded after his most recent jaunt to Eugene, possibly giving the Ducks an inside track to land the southeastern talent! Stay tuned!
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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.