Kevin Cline
Football Recruiting
Visits
Entering the twilight of the 2014 recruiting cycle, Oregon has made no bones about an unshakable desire to keep their tabbed recruits. Now in mid-December, Oregon’s list of commits sits at 15 with several “still at-large” preps shoring up the final stages of their recruitment.
This past weekend, longtime Oregon defensive back target Mattrell McGraw (3-Star/River Ridge, LA) made the cross country trek to Eugene to experience Oregon on an official visit.
DB Mattrell McGraw (3-Star/River Ridge, LA)
“It was great, they really rolled out the red carpet for me at Oregon,” said McGraw. ”I had a chance to chill with the players and I spent a lot of time talking with coach (John) Neal. Coach Nick (Aliotti) spent a lot of time with me too. I watched three practices in my time at Oregon, which was something I really liked.”
Considered a strong Duck-lean, McGraw’s 4.5/40 speed and stout 6-foot-0, 180 lb. frame would be a welcome addition to an Oregon secondary on the verge of reloading.
“Coach Neal was telling me how important this defensive back class is for them. He greeted me as soon as I showed up for practice which was nearly the first thing I did when I got to Eugene.”
McGraw, fresh off leading prep squad John Curtis to its third-straight state title, noted similarities between his alma mater and Oregon’s systems.
“(The Ducks) do a lot of the same things we do at (John) Curtis; fly to the ball, run on and off the field and other things like that. I spent a lot of time watching the defensive backs and they all impressed me.”
McGraw plans to announce his program decision on national signing day with family and friends. Stay tuned!
“Oregon had everything you need to be successful,” said Iheanacho.
Also a venerable hardwood talent, Iheanacho’s 6-foot-7, 220 lb. frame and presence in the red-zone are aspects Oregon would immediately benefit from.
“(Oregon) let me know they are very interested in me and I am a key part of this recruiting class for them.”
While on his visit, Iheanacho made note of the cohesiveness he saw amongst the Oregon roster.
“I was looking for the chemistry among the team and with each other. Everyone was really cool up there, the coaches and the players. I got to meet Bralon Addison, Torrodney Prevot… Chance Allen… They let me know (Oregon) is a home away from home.”
Like McGraw, Iheanacho was also impressed with the Ducks’ pace on the field.
“The tempo they practice at is something else. It was really cool to watch, and Oregon is a good fit for me.”
Iheanacho will make his college decision public prior to the U.S. Army All-American game on January 4th.
To view Iheanacho highlights, please click here.
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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.