My background is the NFL Draft, so I will be looking at college recruits from that perspective: not only on their immediately impact at the collegiate level, but what their long term prospects may be. The NFL is about three things when assessing talent: height, weight, speed, potential and motivation. I’ve based the following on new Ducks recruit, George Moore, …
Recruiting Update: A Good Start to Willie Taggart’s Recruiting Era
Willie Taggart has settled into his new role at Oregon quite well. Despite the “hospitalized players” drama, hiring a new coaching staff and the pressure to bring Oregon back to compete for a PAC-12 championship, Taggart has delivered a solid 2017 recruiting class. His ability to bond and forge relationships with players has really shown during this offseason. The biggest takeaway I got …
The ONE Negative about Willie Taggart that we’ll Overlook…
Many Oregon fans are so pleased with the recruiting results of Head Coach Willie Taggart that an argument could be made that he was almost heaven-sent perfect for our beloved Ducks. But look, nobody is perfect. My title is true, and this is not meant to be the beginning of a “Canzano-type” hit article, but simply my observations–with which many might …
FishDuck’s “State of the RECRUITING Union” Analysis
I have been around recruiting as long as Oregon football has been on the web, and frankly, I am stunned at what I am seeing with Oregon football recruiting currently. This is not meant to be a “feel-good” article/analysis, because, as in the past, I am calling it as I see it, whether good or bad (and I cannot believe …
Recruiting Update: Big Prospects on the way as Signing Day Approaches
Just as surely as Oregon Men’s Basketball has established a winning culture around Matthew Knight Arena, the football program is set to bring its recruiting game to a whole new level. Head coach Willie Taggart has brought in some incredible talent at the coaching positions, along with elite defensive recruits. National Signing Day is Feb. 1, and there is still a …
Surprise Visitors in January Keep Oregon Football Recruiting Exciting
Coach Willie Taggart and his staff will sign 24-28 prospects for the the 2017 class. Oregon has 16 current commitments now and need at least eight more with less than one week left to do it. The three open weekends in January have been and will be peppered with potential future Ducks using one of five official visits (OV) to see …
Recruiting: Should Oregon Football Coaches present NEGATIVE now?
Come on Oregon fans, ‘fess up! If you are reading this it is because you are an extraordinary Duck football fan that cares about the team far beyond all reasonable time that should be given to such a hobby. Like yours truly, you love reading about your beloved Ducks and want them to not just win, but someday win the …
Recruiting Update: Oregon Looking Stronger After New Coaching Hires
It’s been a wild journey this offseason in the landscape of football recruiting. Head Coach Willie Taggart has seen multiple class of 2017 recruits commit and/or decommit. That pattern is likely to continue as signing day approaches. Taggart’s plan to get Oregon back on track has some players looking elsewhere, while others appear on board with his ideology. A huge piece of …
Recruiting Update: Coaching Changes Mean Drama for Football Recruiting
The sudden yet not totally unexpected firing of former head coach Mark Helfrich means more uncertainty for the Ducks’ 2017 recruiting class. With the Pac-12 North schools of Washington, Washington State, and Stanford all looking stronger, Oregon has to step up its recruiting strategy. The looming question for this Oregon team is what to do about the defense. How does Willie Taggart recruit players to a defense that …
Getting Back to Normal in Oregon’s Football Recruiting
Oregon Ducks now have 15 committed players for the 2017 class. They are ranked back in the top 25 and starting to feel normal again. Most of the commitments are outspoken regarding how much they really want to be a part of the Oregon program. This is great news; unfortunately this year has a looming “what if?” that can change …
Official Visits Are Crucial To Oregon Football Recruiting
The Oregon football program has had better moments, but in terms of overall history you don’t have to go back too far to see that we fans had fun enjoying the little wins and nuggets of positive progress for many years. One thing is certain. Recruiting highly talented football players is essential to imminent success. A key to recruiting top …
Offensive Changes With Oregon Football Recruiting in the Next Six Months
Now that the season has begun, official visits are being scheduled by high school football players across the nation. Recruiting’s most active part of the year is under way! In my last article, found here, I talk about the future changes that can be expected on the defensive side of the ball. This article is Part II of the two-part …