Our Oregon Ducks football program might have missed out on Preston Taumua this weekend, but they still remain the top choice for future superstar tailback Nate Frazier.
Coming out of Mater Dei in Santa Ana, CA as a 5-star back, Frazier is a true offensive X-factor that could take over the PAC-12 fast. While the entire country is passing game-centric now, it’s never a bad idea to have a true homerun-hitter at tailback that’s shifty in the open field, can catch out of the backfield, and still has a limitless ceiling above him.
However, there’s a bigger takeaway from this. After seemingly limitless superstar recruiting buzz, the fact that the Ducks have been in position and continue to be in a position to recruit players like Frazier is what’s about to set this Oregon program apart from the PAC-12.
Preston Tuamua joins the Cornhuskers, with Frazier potentially following – Via Twitter (247Huskers)
Recruiting Competition
Oregon’s the proverbial leader in the clubhouse to land Frazier, and that’s become the norm with this staff. While the Cornhuskers and other programs have snagged some talented players away from Oregon like Tuamua, the Ducks have managed to do the same.
A class-act staff leads this program, and Oregon’s in a prime position to continue dominating the pacific northwest in recruiting through 2024 and beyond, while furthering its lead over the future of a USC, UCLA-less conference.
As for Nate Frazier, he might be the Joe Frazier of college football with knockout punches swung from 50 yards deep on the field in both the receiving game and on the ground. His size and athleticism as a junior this past season truly showcased that electric speed the Ducks have been known for in the past decade, and should easily transfer to the next level. Beyond his measurements, though, he has showcased elite similarities to a handful of backs both at the college level and in the NFL.
Ken Walker III had an outstanding rookie year in the NFL – via Twitter (FFFrontOffice)
Pro Comparison: Kenneth Walker III
Walker III just arrived in Seattle this past year and was electric virtually from the jump in a backup role. After injuries unfortunately ended the season for starter Rashaad Penny in the early going, we saw Walker III really step up his game and earn a starting role, as he became the lead back for a run-centric Seattle offense led by Geno Smith. Following Bo Nix’s departure from the program next offseason, we could see similar offensive scheme choices/needs arise in Eugene.
As a runner, Frazier has that same one-cut-and-gone ability to turn a medium gain into a big score. His vision is elite as Walker III’s was at Michigan State, and you can already feel his patience and maturity for the position oozing off the Mater Dei turf. Frazier could fill that Walker III role perfectly for the Ducks, and with an embarrassment of riches at the position already, we know as Oregon fans that averaging 27 touches a game the way Walker III did over his last two games of the season in 2022 would be well, well earned if Frazier was given the same authority in Will Stein’s offense.
Ty Thompson looks to be Oregon’s next QB1 of the future – via Gary Breedlove
Bottom Line: Frazier Is the Safety Net Oregon’s Next Quarterback Needs
Overall, Frazier is going to be a star wherever he goes. Even at a position with a quick transition period to college speed, it seems he’ll have an even quicker jump than most other backs of his caliber on a starting role. With how Ty Thompson has looked in limited action, let’s all cross our fingers collectively that he’ll inherit a potentially all-time talent at tailback, should he earns the starting job after Nix leaves.
Otherwise, I could see a handful of other new starters take the reins for Our Beloved Ducks. What do you think, Oregon fans? Where do you see Frazier landing? If he does end up a Duck, what does his ceiling look like? Without Frazier in the lineup, who leads the backfield of the future? Let us know what you think in the FishDuck Forum with decorum.
Go Ducks!
Alex Heining
Los Angeles, California
Top Photo: Via Twitter (DuckZone503)
Alex Heining is an Oregon alumni from the graduate class of 2021. After studying sports business and media studies, he has moved into the field of digital marketing as a copywriter and content manager in the Los Angeles area. Still, he loves his Ducks and goes to local high school games all over the Los Angeles and Orange County area to check out new recruits of the future (and a SoFi game or two with the pros). On any given Saturday, expect to find him doing martial arts, playing the guitar, or screaming at the tv over a missed holding penalty.