Football Recruiting
Fall Camp Update
A mere 11 days away from our season opener, the Men of Autzen continue to make strides that will lead us to another date: January 6, 2014. Entering Week 3 of fall camp, the class of 2013 is making its presence felt with several players in the hunt for playing time during this upcoming season. Between the uprights, freshman kicker Matt Wogan is giving incumbent Alejandro Maldonado all he can handle in what may be the closest position battle of camp. The youngster is said to be routinely registering touchbacks on kickoffs and flexing his muscles in the PAT game. Head coach Mark Helfrich is no stranger to nurturing younger players who seize starting roles from veterans (Darron Thomas/Nate Costa), so don’t be surprised to see Wogan trot onto the field come the end of this month when Oregon fans its wings for the first time.
Oregon’s success on the field could go a long way in solidifying the 2014 recruiting class earlier than expected. Defensive back Mattrell McGraw (3-Star/River Ridge, LA) has long been a Ducks’ target and is very close to pledging his commitment to play for secondary coach John Neal.
“Oregon is still out in front… ,” said the 6’0, 180 lb. McGraw. “I know Oregon will be my first official visit for sure.”
McGraw will visit Helfrich & Co. sometime after his prep season concludes and will undoubtedly make his official announcement to head to Eugene soon after.
A newcomer to The Oregon Faithful, linebacker Sharieff Rhaheed (3-Star/Fort Pierce, FL) is primed for a visit on October 26th.
“(The) only (official visit) I have set is Oregon… I want to see anything and everything…,” said Rhaheed. “They’re talking about offering.”
An explosive linebacker who doubles as a Dion Jordan-like drop end, Rhaheed is adept at blowing through offensive lineman on his way to disrupting the quarterback and running game. Standing a lean 6’4, 215 lbs., Rhaheed would immediately benefit from time spent with strength and conditioning coach Jim Radcliffe, if he were to roam the trenches on a consistent basis. Expect the Ducks’ newly minted facilities to make a tremendous first impression on the east coast product when he arrives mid-season.
Basketball Recruiting
News
F/SG Dorian Pickens (3-Star/Phoenix, AZ/Rivals150)
Touted shooting guard/forward Dorian Pickens (3-Star/Phoenix, AZ/Rivals150) recently tweeted his final program consideration list seeing Oregon as a top contender to land his prowess on the court. A high flying 6’4, 190 lbs., Pickens is the definition of a ‘tweener’ who could play multiple roles in head coach Dana Altman’s offense. Capable of slashing to the hoop and shooting the outside ball, Pickens is battle tested as a member of the Oakland Soldiers, a jersey worn by current Ducks point guard Dominic Artis and incoming brothers Tyree and Tyrell Robinson. Given his locality, don’t be surprised to see Pickens checking out Matthew Knight Arena in the very near future – stay tuned!
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Feature photo credit: Kevin Cline
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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.