Football Recruiting

OL Sean Dowling (3-Star/Fallbrook, CA)

Offers

Oregon has made a living playing cloak and dagger games, so why stop now? Recently opening his recruitment, offensive lineman Sean Dowling (3-Star/Fallbrook, CA) is receiving renewed interest from Eugene as signing day approaches. A 6’6″, 265 lb. trench dweller, Dowling’s signed LOI would be a solid late-hour get for the Ducks as he has the potential to break into Coach Steve Greatwood’s rotation heading into 2013.

News/Visits

Another prep who has parted ways with an early season pledge, defensive back Jermaine Kelly (4-Star/Los Angeles, CA/Rivals250), indicated that Oregon has stepped up communication since his decision to examine his options. Playing in the defensive backfield, Kelly uses his 6’0″, 185 lb. frame to make short work of shadowing wide outs and set up opportunities to make plays in the open field.

Multi-positional player Austin Hooper (3-Star/Concord, CA) could be the latest athlete to find a niche with the Ducks. “I know for sure I’m going to (visit) Oregon. I’m definitely guaranteed to see Oregon at some point,” said Hooper. “I’m really looking forward to it.” Standing 6’4″, 233 lbs., Hooper’s undeniable strength (310 lb./bench) has seen him play competitively at both tight and defensive end, making him a prime Duck target due to versatility.

Flying under the radar, both-sides-of-the-ball prep Brian Smith (NR/Brookfield, WI) could be a late add in Head Coach Chip Kelly’s bag of athletes. “I talked to Oregon,” said Smith. “They said they checked out my game film and liked what they saw. They told me they would be by my school to check on me.” At 6’4″, 195 lbs., Smith is no stranger to playing multiple roles. “I don’t have a preferred spot. I’ll play wherever I’m needed.” Look for Oregon to extend an offer in the near future; stay tuned!

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 every Wednesday, and WTD!!!

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Mark Flores

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.

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Recruiting Update: He’s Committed Elsewhere… Until He Visits Oregon