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Oregon has spent much of 2014 searching for a quarterback of the future. With Kyler Murray no longer in play, the Ducks have come full circle and are going for broke in their pursuit of Notre Dame commit Blake Barnett (4-Star/Corona, CA/Rivals100). One of the nation’s top dual threat signal-callers, Barnett made a long-anticipated visit to Eugene this past weekend.
“Oregon was impressive, no doubt,” said Barnett. “The facilities are amazing, I think everyone knows that already. But they are as impressive in person. I really liked the coaching staff and how they handle things. That also made a big impression on me. There is a lot to like about Oregon, it’s a great program.”
A 6-foot-4, 200 lb. run-and-gunner, Barnett is freakishly similar to current QB1 Marcus Mariota. Using almost incomprehensible speed in the read-option, Bartnett makes short work of crashing defenders with one-cut touchdown runs and makes opposing defenses pay with his ability to throw under pressure. An almost guaranteed chance to start if he flips his commitment to Mark Helfrich and Co., Barnett is taking his time to consider his options.
“I want to study broadcasting communications in college. Oregon offers a great degree in that area. But it’s not just that degree, it’s the support they give their players and how they help you succeed. The academic center was amazing and so was the academic support staff. The fact they make that such a priority really stuck out to me.”
Barnett’s timetable will be greatly affected by Oregon’s need to wrap up a quarterback in the near future. Check back with FishDuck, as Barnett’s future could be decided within the next few weeks!
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!!!
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.