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The Eugene Regional brought a degree of validation and a few surprises along the recruiting trail as it wrapped up late this past Sunday. Island-based runner Vavae Malepeai (3-Star/Mililani, HI) confirmed his intention to become a Duck following a long recruiting rapport with Eugene.
A tabbed running back at the prep level, Malepeai bears the athleticism to find his way into a variety of roles on both sides of the ball. Depending on where the depth chart sits following this season, Malepeai’s talent may find its way into John Neal’s secondary as a safety.
To view Malepeai highlights, please click here.
Eugene Regional visitor and camp defensive line MVP Connor Murphy (3-Star/Phoenix, AZ) got his own taste of what Oregon has to offer and came away awestruck after making the trip north.
“What stood out to me about Oregon is the community,” said Murphy. “It’s like one big family over there with the coaching staff and just the people in general are great. I can tell that I could fit in there.”
At 6’7″, 250 lbs. — and a kid with some wicked red hair — Murphy already fits the mold of a drop-end, and if his camp performance is anything close to what the future holds, Oregon may have a potential all-American waiting in the wings.
“All of the coaches were saying they would have me standing up at outside linebacker on first and second down. On third and fourth down they would put my hand in the dirt to get after the quarterback. That’s the ideal position for me.”
Murphy also had a quick tidbit for us, the Oregon faithful.
“… The personality and mindset they all carry. This definitely puts Oregon up in the ranks for me without a question.”
Top 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.