Recruiting Update: Oregon Raiding Inland Along the Coast

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting

Offers

Jack-of-all-trades athlete Stephen Johnson III (4-Star/San Leandro, CA) is catching fire heading into his senior summer.  While recently discovered by the Oregon faithful, Johnson III appears to have been on wide receivers coach Matt Lubick’s wish list for some time.  Toward the end of last week, the Ducks’ coaching staff made good on their promise and extended SJ3 an offer to spend his collegiate years in Eugene.

I was too excited when Coach (Matt) Lubick told me I had an offer from Oregon,” said Johnson III.  ”That is definitely one of the top schools recruiting me and a top option for me.”

No doubt a skilled signal caller, Johnson III (5-foot-11, 180 lbs.) will likely head to the edge and line up as a wideout with an opportunity to supplement his offensive production as a return man.

While still early in the cycle, expect Oregon’s firm stamp of approval to all but assure a commitment in the coming months.

Just down the road to the south, another west coast prep received his dream offer. Touted defensive back Jihree Stewart (3-Star/Corona, CA) is defensive backs coach John Neal’s latest find and could be flying Oregon colors very soon.

“Oregon has always been my dream school,” said Stewart.  ”As of right now, Oregon is my No. 1 school.”

A stout 6-foot, 185 lbs., Stewart never shies away from a big hit and commands full respect as defensive tactician.  His cerebral play along with an opportunistic streak, is a perfect match for Neal’s system and could go a long way to garnering early playing time.

(Oregon likes) me as a corner and safety and the fact that I could play both.  They love my versatility and my instincts.  The coaches were telling me I do a lot of things you don’t see the other top guys doing.”

For Stewart Highlights, please click here.

Pursuing somewhat of an unknown, Oregon made waves by extending an offer to tight end Jacob Breeland (NR/Mission Viejo, CA).

It was quite exciting when (Coach Tom Osborne) told me I had an offer,” said Breeland. “Oregon is pretty high for me.  I’m going to try to come up in early April and check them out.”

A skilled prep who splits time at wide receiver and tight end, Breeland is an effective blocker and possesses the solid speed to be an asset in Oregon’s system.

The Ducks got into the game early with Breeland, and that stroke could pay dividends looking toward the future.  Stay tuned!

For Breeland highlights, please click here.

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 Steve Francis

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