Kevin Cline
Football Recruiting
Visits
DB John Plattenburg Jr., (3-Star/Houston, TX)
This past Saturday, a who’s who of elite high school stars made their way into Autzen Stadium and discovered what We, The Oregon Faithful already know; We’re fast . . . Really fast.
One of those preps, heralded southwest defensive back John Plattenburg Jr., (3-Star/Houston, TX) had a preconceived idea of what to expect upon disembarking from his flight.
“It was better than I expected,” said the 5’11”, 187 lb. Plattenburg. ”I thought Eugene was a real small town with one street and only a few houses but it was awesome. The atmosphere (of Autzen Stadium) was awesome, I loved all of it.”
In awe of the new practice facility and complex, including the freshly minted weight room, Plattenburg was quick to notice the coaching staff that forms the Oregon foundation.
“Coach (John) Neal really wowed me on my visit. He was low down and told me how I’d fit in,” said Plattenburg. ”They are looking for guys to keep winning, and he thinks I would help.”
A versatile defender with speed to burn, Plattenburg’s strongest attribute, his closing speed, affords him the opportunity to bait opposing quarterbacks and produce turnovers in tight situations.
Plattenburg left a final parting thought from his visit, one that should give us a reason to celebrate.
“I think Oregon is the team to beat for me right now. I could definitely go ahead with a decision after I weigh things out.”
Plattenburg wasn’t the only prep to come away with an even greater appreciation of Oregon following the weekend. Wide receiver Jalen Brown (4-Star/Phoenix, AZ/Rivals250), linebacker Justin Hollins (3-Star/Arlington, TX), and defensive end Jaylen Johnson (3-Star/Corona, CA) were all seen in the Section Nine VIP recruit row, repping Oregon swag during Saturday’s matchup. (Check back next week for recaps!)
Basketball Recruiting
News
Dana Altman’s ultimate goal is simple: hang national title banners from the rafters of Matthew Knight Arena. In just over three years, Altman is ever closer to that goal and has the Ducks firmly entrenched in the minds of the nation’s elite preps.
A consensus 2014 top-three prospect, small forward Stanley Johnson (5-Star/Santa Ana, CA/Rivals150) recently trimmed his wish list to five, seeing Oregon in the thick of it, heading into the winter months. A defensive presence and tremendous finisher at the rim, Johnson is an opposing team’s worst nightmare when he decides to slow down his normally quick pace, in favor of a solid mid-range style of play. While a date has not been set, Johnson expects to be in Eugene sometime in the near future as he has mentioned his interest in seeing what Atlman and Co. have to offer, 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!!!
Follow me on Twitter: @MarkDFlores
Be sure to like us on Facebook: FISHDUCK.COM
————————————————————
Announcements
*Check out our new pregame opponent analysis on Saturday mornings. Our analysis will be unlike any other, so learn what to watch for before the game on Saturday!
*Want some College Football humor? Check out FishDuck.com‘s FIRST GIF! (Click here) Pass it along!
*If you would like to join the other 80+ volunteers at FishDuck.com, and have five hours a week to donate . . . we have slots open for volunteer Editors, Writers, Analysts, Photo Archivists and Social Media Associates. Can you help us manage people? Consider our volunteer Sales Manager and HR Manager positions and give some time each week to help young associates learn! E-mail us at charles@fishduck.com
Related Articles:
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.