Football Recruiting News
The Oregon Ducks have landed their first verbal commitment for the 2018 recruiting class. During an unofficial visit for Oregon’s Junior Day, 3-star running back Travis Dye committed to head coach Willie Taggart and the Ducks. Dye confirmed his commitment to 247Sports later that day: “Yes sir, I have committed to Oregon.”
The 5-foot-9 running back (90th-ranked running back per 247Sports Composite) is the younger brother of current sophomore Duck linebacker Troy Dye. I believe that Troy was under-ranked when he came to Oregon, and I think Travis is under-ranked as well. Dye is a bit undersized at 180 pounds, but has speed and the strength to break tackles.
His ability to stop on a dime and jump-cut will make him difficult to tackle. He hits the hole with authority and should fit in extremely well with the Ducks zone blocking scheme. Look at how he hits the hole and breaks away in the video below.
Now that Oregon has landed its first commitment, let the flood gates open for more. “It’s very exciting to be the first commit,” said Dye. “Everyone is coming with me. Oregon is going to win a National Championship.”
Recruiting Offer Update
The Oregon Ducks are first to offer TE Isaiah Smalls
The Ducks were the first scholarship offer that TE Isaiah Smalls received and currently has Oregon leading his recruiting. The 6-foot-4, 225-lb. prospect’s recruiting started slow, but that’s changing quickly as his film continues to circulate.
Smalls appears to be more of a hybrid tight end and wide receiver and should fit well within the Oregon offense. He also plays defense for Dorsey High School out of Los Angeles, but he would prefer to play offense at the next level.
“I like coach Taggart,” Smalls told 247Sports of what stands out about the Ducks for him. “I like how he’s trying to change this program around. A lot of kids are starting to believe in him. I think I am starting to believe in him as well. It is starting to look really nice up there.”
The Ducks have requested the he try to visit the campus this spring or summer if he can. “I plan on going up there in the summer, going to go up there for a camp,” said Smalls. “Going to see the school.”
He is likely to get a lot of offers, but I think he chooses Oregon.
Norm Hightower
Bend, Ore.
Top Photo from Matt Prehm, 247Sports
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Norm Hightower is a businessman, sports enthusiast, avid outdoorsman, and lifelong Ducks fan that resides in the State of Oregon. He has a wealth of sports knowledge and experience when it comes to football and many other outdoor sports. He’s also a managing partner, writer and editor for Gridiron Media Group LLC and Ramstalk.net.