Kevin Cline
Football Recruiting
Visits
Oregon’s 66-3 showcase victory over the visiting “whatevers” proved equally decisive on the recruiting front. Cornerback Arrion Springs (4-Star/San Antonio, TX/Rivals250) and linebacker Tui Talia (4-Star/Pleasant Hill, CA) joined Oregon’s Big Board. Offensive lineman Sam Jones (3-Star/Highlands Ranch, CO) and hybrid wide receiver Braxton Berrios (4-Star/Raleigh, NC) were in the Autzen stands, Saturday, in what could be a masterstroke to bring all four preps to Eugene.
Springs and Talia are both firmly committed to Oregon and Saturday did nothing but deepen their pledge to don Lightning Yellow and Thunder Green.
“The trip was crazy, I really enjoyed it,” said the 5’11, 190 lb. Springs. “The fans were chanting my name and stuff, it just felt awesome.”
In addition, the venerable defensive back was quick to notice the authority of Oregon’s secondary in rounding out a complete team effort.
“I knew things wouldn’t change under (coach) Mark Helfrich and it didn’t. They definitely played really well and only gave up three points on about 87 snaps,” said Springs. “Coach (John) Neal was so impressive. I’m glad he’ll be my future coach. I mean the facilities and stuff are awesome, I’m blessed to have those while I’ll be there. But the knowledge and how all of the defensive backs are smart and fast, really stood out to me. You can tell (Neal) knows what he’s doing.”
“I stayed with DeForest [Buckner]. He looked really good on Saturday, and so did Arik [Armstead] too,” said the 6’5, 270 lb. Talia. “The coaches were telling me how they have several older defensive linemen leaving. So there will be a lot of room for me to come in and get reps.”
In addition, Talia spent some time recruiting long-rumored Oregon lean, Jones.
“I was talking with Sam and [he] really liked it,” said Talia.
Jones, a 6’5, 275 lb. force in trenches could officially announce what appears to be a solidified Oregon commitment in the very near future.
“I loved my trip to Eugene, loved it,” said Jones. ”Obviously the facilities and everything are insane. But what sets them apart is there will never be anything you need that you won’t have. From injuries to life skills or just anything you need. It’s all there.”
“I think Braxton liked the trip a lot . . . he had a great time,” said Jones.
A relative newcomer to “We, The Oregon Faithful,” Berrios can fill almost any skill position role. As a recent invitee to Nike’s “The Opening” and commanding a Ducks offer, expect Oregon’s interest in Berrios to grow as he progresses through his senior season in high school.
ATH Braxton Berrios (4-Star/Raleigh, NC)
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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.