In an offense that is predicated on speed, Oregon’s recent additions of interior brawn have only continued to bolster the relentless up-tempo “Blur.” Offensive line coach Steve Greatwood is ensuring future trench battles go the Ducks way with an offer extension to Tyrell Crosby(NR/Henderson, NV). Standing 6’4″ and carrying a playing weight of 298 lbs., Crosby’s size, coupled with raw athleticism, makes him an ideal candidate for Greatwood’s mobile line schemes. “Oregon is still on top (in my recruitment), they are in front right now,” said Crosby. “They also offer a good education and a great offense. I’m really close to coach (Steve) Greatwood and he tells me he loves my footwork and my character. I know they are serious about me.” A lineman who possesses NFL type size at a young age, Oregon’s early scrutiny of Crosby’s skills seems to be paying off.
Visits/News
Touted safety Mattrell McGraw(3-Star/River Ridge, LA) has no shortage of interest in the Ducks. The 6’0″, 183 lb. secondary defender will journey from the southwest to Eugene in an effort to get a in-depth read on what head coach Mark Helfrich & Co. have to offer. “I’m going to Oregon on April 18 with my mom for a couple of days,” said McGraw. “I really want to see Eugene and meet the coaches and just see the town.” A shifty prep with speed to burn, McGraw’s ball hawking prowess will only increase as he progresses into his final prep season. McGraw added a final tidbit that should make We, The Duck Faithful ever hopeful. “I would definitely say if the trip goes well Oregon will be on top. That’s the school I want to see, they could be the team to beat if all goes well up there,” said McGraw.
Tabbed athlete Budda Baker(4-Star/Bellevue, WA/Rivals100) is rapidly gaining attention as one of the nation’s most versatile preps. “Oregon is definitely up there for me,” said Baker. “It’s a real nice school and I know they are going to be okay with the new coaches… I’m excited to see them this spring.” A 5’11”, 178 lb. jack-of-all-trades, Baker moonlights as a defensive back when he isn’t slashing his way to pay dirt on offense. “I know (my prep team is) going to use me a lot more at running back this year. I was doing kick return duties before and playing safety which I’ll play again this year,” said Baker. “I just need to work on my game and keep getting better.” Baker will be an expected visitor in Eugene sometime during the spring season.
Although still in the early stages of the historically long Oregon recruiting cycle, quarterback Brandon Harris(3-Star/Bossier City, LA) is keeping his eye on the Ducks. “Oregon has some of the best athletes… has great uniforms, great program, (and a) great offense,” said Harris. “They’re interested in me because the offense that we run here at Parkway is the same as they run there; we try to snap the ball real quick.” While a bit light at 186 lbs., Harris’ 6’3” frame affords him the ability to see the field and unleash towering deep balls to open receivers. Oregon will evaluate Harris later this spring in an effort to gauge the dual-threat’s ability and interest level, 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, WTD!!!
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.
FishDuck Going to Articles on Monday and Tuesday Only…
Our off-season schedule begins, and we move from publishing articles seven days a week to Mondays and Tuesdays only. Same great group of writers, and we will have an article on other days on occasion.
The Our Beloved Ducks Forum(OBD) is where we we discuss the article above and many more topics, as it is so much easier in a message board format over there. At the free OBD forum we will be posting Oregon Sports article links, the daily Press Releases from the Athletic Department and the news coming out every day.
Our 33 rules at the free OBD Forum can be summarized to this: 1) be polite and respectful, 2) do not tell anyone what to think, feel or write, and 3) no reference of any kind to politics.Easy-peasy!
OBD Forum members….we got your back. No Trolls Allowed!
