Kevin Cline
Football Recruiting
Commitments
Following the 42-14 drubbing of visiting UCLA, Oregon received news of a commitment from southwest-based defensive lineman/linebacker Justin Hollins (3-Star/Arlington, TX). A longtime target of defensive coaches Ron Aiken and Don Pellum, Hollins, a stout 6-foot-5, 210 lbs., fits the mold of a young Dion Jordan and promises to follow in the footsteps of current drop-end Tony Washington, Jr.
Writer’s note – I attempt to post a highlight video with almost every athlete I profile in my Recruiting Updates. The video featured below is one of my favorites . . .
This past weekend may prove to be one of the most important in recent Oregon recruiting memory, as several key recruits came away awestruck. Wide receiver/safety-hybrid John Smith (5-Star/Long Beach, CA/Rivals100) could have been described as a ‘long shot’ heading into Saturday morning. By day’s end, Smith was ready to quack.
“Oregon is now one of my top schools,” exclaimed Smith. ”The difference between Oregon and the other teams is the people. The coaches and the team are real and 100-percent trustworthy. Everyone at Oregon is humble and has such unity.”
Nationally touted as a premier athlete, Smith’s 6-foot-1, 207 lb. frame could be used on either side of the ball.
“The coaches were all fighting over me at safety or receiver,” said Smith. “I like that I have the option, but I think I want to start out at defense. But I’ll go with whatever gets me on the field the fastest.”
The impact of an Oregon visit is undeniable; look for continued contact from defensive backs’ coach John Neal, as Smith moves into the twilight of his prep career.
“Those were the loudest fans I’ve ever witnessed,” said Broadus. “It was a great time. I like how Oregon went out and did their thing. The campus and the facilities are insane, the best I’ve ever seen in my life.”
WR Cordell Broadus (4-Star/Diamond Bar, CA).
Son of rap legend Snoop Dog, Broadus could very well follow close friend De’Anthony Thomas to Eugene.
“We went out to dinner and hung out this weekend. He told me everyone at Oregon is there to help each other out.”
A lanky 6-foot-3, 186 lbs., Broadus has excellent hands and excels at one of the choicest staples of the Oregon offense.
“[Oregon’s] receivers do a lot of down-field blocking, something I’m good at,” said Broadus. ”They draw the safeties and linebackers up and then hit the receivers deep where it hurts.”
With the influence of the aforementioned Thomas, expect Broadus to dawn Lightning Yellow and Thunder Green when an offer is undoubtedly extended.
Basketball Recruiting
Commitments
On the eve of what promises to be one of the best seasons in Oregon basketball history, head coach Dana Altman landed a commitment from combo-forward Ray Kasongo (3-Star/Lick Creek, KY). Visiting last month, Kasongo was blown away by Matthew Knight Arena and after a commitment limbo, gave his full pledge to the Oregon coaching staff this past Friday; look for more on this developing story next week!
F Ray Kasongo (3-Star/Lick Creek, KY) announced his Oregon commitment via Twitter.
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!!!
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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.