Oregon Ducks Football Recruiting: Leon McQuay III visits Vanderbilt
It looks like there is a team in the driver’s seat, and that team isn’t the Oregon Ducks. Leon McQuay III took an unofficial visit to the Vanderbilt Commodores yesterday to see the ‘Dores easily dispatch of the reeling Tennessee Volunteers. The elite four-star safety has already taken his official visit to Vandy, so the additional trip this late in his recruitment is huge for the SEC squad.
The Oregon Ducks are a major factor in his recruitment, and he also took his visit to Eugene last month. McQuay officially visited the Michigan Wolverines last week, and he has an official trip to Tallahasee set next week to check out Florida State. The USC Trojans are considered one of the most likely destination spots for McQuay, and his official visit to L.A. is scheduled for December. However, that might have to be pushed back if Armwood’s star-studded team makes it deep enough in the playoffs.
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It’s Vanderbilt, USC, Oregon, Michigan, and Florida State right now, and it looks like the Commodores are emerging as the front-runners after what was likely a good unofficial visit for Leon McQuay III. USC has a great chance at landing McQuay, especially since Max Redfield decommitted and has Notre Dame as his leader. Oregon is also heavily in the mix, as is Michigan. FSU is viewed as the least likely team to land McQuay, but things are pretty wide open behind Vandy and USC at the top.
McQuay brings the total package at the safety position, because he has insane ball skills and athleticism and is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Not only can he make plays at the back end, but the top 30 recruit also possesses terrific pure coverage skills. The 6’2″, 184 pounder, who also runs a 4.5 forty, could stand to get stronger and that’s part of his upside. It’s the knowledge that McQuay will get stronger and, thus, become a better safety- especially in run support.
Many athletic safeties aren’t always the best at reading offenses, but McQuay is the total opposite; he’s probably the most intelligent DB in the country. One of the reasons why he is ranked third at his position is because of his instincts, and he would make a great free safety at any program.
Right now, I think that program is going to be Vanderbilt, with USC being the second most likely landing spot. Beyond that, I have no idea how the other three programs shake out, but we’ll figure some of that stuff out during his visit to FSU next week.
You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.