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Former Defensive Coordinator Nick Aliotti’s final stand at the Alamo Bowl gave Southwest superbeast Trey Lealaimatafao (3-Star/San Antonio, TX) a reason to think through his options. Lealaimatafao had been previously committed to Texas until this past November and recently named Oregon as the favorite to land his unique skill-set.
“I really like the coaches at Oregon and they are only returning one defensive tackle,” said Lealaimatafao. ”Oregon is my top school right now and they said they will wait it out until the end for me.”
An imposing 6-foot, 301 lbs., Lealaimatafao has a quick first step and sheds blocks with ease. Nimble for an interior lineman, the Southwest prep is a nightmare for opposing lineman as he keeps with the play until he wraps up and brings down the ball carrier.
Oregon sits in the driver’s seat and will undoubtedly pick up its second interior lineman commit in the closing moments of the 2014 recruiting cycle. Lealaimatafao will visit Oregon this weekend in what promises to be the final push to get him to Eugene permanently.
Defensive line coach Ron Aiken has maintained contact with the 6-foot-5, 300 lb. trench warrior and recently received word that Daniel will be in town for Oregon’s Spring Game on May 3rd. In a huge step to get back in the running for Daniel, expect his unofficial visit to carry extra importance as Oregon has a way of making ground with even the smallest of chances.
“(The Ducks) head coach (Mark Helfrich) and offensive coordinator (Scott Frost) came to my practice,” said Norman. ”They asked me how I liked Oregon and I’m, like, it’s Oregon! That would be big for my recruiting. The way they play fits me – and their edginess.”
While it’s a late cycle move, expect Helfrich & Co. to push for Norman as both parties are moving up each other’s big boards. Stay tuned!
Main photo by 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.