Oregon Football Recruiting: It’s Time to Celebrate

Jason Fowler Editorials

Like the crack of someone opening the first beer at a party, the new Oregon staff is perking up ears and turning heads, giving the program a “national championship vibe.” Oregon signed a top-25 recruiting class in only seven weeks, causing a positive buzz and attracting high-caliber talent. Something has changed. That change is Willie Taggart. Early on, we discovered his amazing ability to recruit, something Eugene has …

Final Analysis of Oregon Football Recruiting 2016

Jason Fowler Recruiting

The recruiting class of 2016 for the Oregon Ducks did not end as well as I would have liked. Expecting to crack the top 15 for the first time under coach Mark Helfrich was initially promising but, like the second half of the Alamo Bowl, slowly got away from the Ducks. Considering the two-quarter fallout and changes in key personnel, …

Oregon Football Weathered the Storm and Revived Recruiting

Jason Fowler Recruiting

If you have ever worked in wet, cold weather with drenched gloves that merely protect soggy fingers from the gusty winds, you’ll know what I mean when I say it is uncomfortable. You know that feeling that your hands are stuck in a bowl of ice water, and it seems like nothing will cure the biting sting of cold. It …

The Collapse of Oregon Football Recruiting?

Jason Fowler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive, Recruiting

The Oregon Ducks have lost two major commitments for the 2016 class in the last two weeks or so. Is the program falling apart? Is the end of Oregon’s success coming to an end? Is it time to panic? Will the Ducks ever sign another 5-star again? Whoa! Slow down there buddy! This is NOT the collapse of Oregon football …

Oregon Football Recruiting Analysis: Duck Future Looks Bright

Jason Fowler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

If Oregon Ducks football recruiting was put on that rating website, hotornot.com, its average score would be well over nine. It’s not just West-Coasters that show tons of interest in Oregon. Athletes all over the country are eyeing the likelihood of playing for Coach Mark Helfrich. The 2015 recruiting class brought in some great talent. None of the film was any …

Oregon Football Recruiting Analysis: Oregon Can’t Beat Ohio State

Jason Fowler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Did it start in 2012 when the Ohio State Buckeyes robbed the Oregon Ducks of highly touted all-purpose back Dontre Wilson right under their noses? Or did it begin before that when Ohio State out-recruited Oregon for top high school prospects? Either way, the 2015 recruiting class will not be different, with the Buckeyes winning this contest by a large margin …

“So You’re Telling Me There’s a Chance”

Jason Fowler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With “Husky Hate Week” nearing its end, there is a list of prep stars who will be visiting Eugene on Saturday, to watch Washington take on the Ducks. With that list, there is some great talent that may end up choosing Oregon over all the other picks. Before you start thinking this is unrealistic, here are some things to consider: …

Oregon Football Recruiting Analysis: Did the Earth Just Shake?

Jason Fowler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The recruiting wisdom of Mark Helfrich is becoming more evident as time goes on.  Most recently comes the news that Hawaii defensive tackle, Ratu Mafileo, got his “eligibility” green light from the NCAA and can now attend and play football at UO.  The nephew of former Oregon great, Haloti Ngata, sheds new light on a 2014 recruiting class that was …

Oregon Football Recruiting Analysis: It’s Still About the Offense

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Oregon football program is not regarded as a defensive juggernaut.  An elite defense wasn’t the catalyst behind the evolution of the Oregon brand.  In this new era of Oregon football, where fans expect championship runs, the offense seems almost to have become an after-thought.  Improving the defense has become the focal point of radio pundits and TV personalities.  Let’s …