Oregon Ducks Sign 22 For Class of 2015, Await Word from QB Adams

The word that will likely best describe the Oregon Ducks Recruiting Class of 2015 will be versatile. On Wednesday Mark Helfrich and the coaching staff welcomed a class of twenty-three athletes to the University of Oregon. Several could have an immediate impact on the field, others will likely spend a year learning the system and redshirt. Oregon addressed just about every area from the departures in graduates following the National Championship Game.

The biggest area of concern, of course, is at Quarterback where the Ducks will look to replace Heisman Trophy Winner Marcus Mariota who departed for the National Football League. Oregon has several options including Ty Griffin, who ran the scout team for much of 2014 and redshirted. Incoming Freshman Travis Waller signed a letter of intent yesterday and could push for playing time and compete for the starting role in 2015. He is expected to enroll for the Spring semester. Oregon also has Jeff Lockie, Mariota’s backup in the mix and the likely starter due to his experience, but expect him to be pushed for the starting role.

One name of intrigue is Vernon Adams, who is the Starting Quarterback at Eastern Washington. He visited Oregon last week and is considering a transfer to Oregon. If he becomes a Duck Spring Practice will be even more interesting to watch considering his skill and versatility. He has yet to make a decision.

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Oregon addressed other areas of need including on the Offensive and Defensive lines, but lost out on one of the bug signing Day gets in Middle Linebacker John Houston who turned from the Ducks and headed to USC. The Ducks were able to sign Jake Hanson, Shane Lemieux, and Calvin Throckmorton and Zach Okun who add size to a line that is looking for bodies following the 2014 season. On the Defensive side Oregon also had some holes to fill.

Oregon added Rex Manu, Canton Kaumatule, Gus Cumberland and Gary Baker. Kaumatule is ranked the fourth best defensive end in the county and is a five star talent. I would expect him to press for playing time in his Freshman season.

Areas of overflow for Oregon include at Running Back where the Ducks already appeared pretty stacked with Royce Freeman, Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner. The Ducks added Taj Griffin – Ty Griffin’s brother. At Wide Receiver the situation is similar with returning talent, but Oregon will be set for 2015 with the additions of Malik Lovette who is a four-star standout who can also run the ball, and Kirk Merritt who is listed as the Nation’s number four all purpose running back. He is slated as a Wide Receiver with Oregon.

It is clear to me that Oregon is looking to create another hybrid similar to Marshall, who can play both the running back and wide receiver position. It should be fun to watch to see what the coaches do with the new influx of talent.

I would expect to see quite a few of these recruits on the field in the Spring Game which is now just a few short months away.

The biggest area of concern, of course, is at Quarterback where the Ducks will look to replace Heisman Trophy Winner Marcus Mariota who departed for the National Football League. Oregon has several options including Ty Griffin, who ran the scout team for much of 2014 and redshirted. Incoming Freshman Travis Waller signed a letter of intent yesterday and could push for playing time and compete for the starting role in 2015. He is expected to enroll for the Spring semester. Oregon also has Jeff Lockie, Mariota’s backup in the mix and the likely starter due to his experience, but expect him to be pushed for the starting role.

Areas of overflow for Oregon include at Running Back where the Ducks already appeared pretty stacked with Royce Freeman, Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner. The Ducks added Taj Griffin – Ty Griffin’s brother. At Wide Receiver the situation is similar with returning talent, but Oregon will be set for 2015 with the additions of Malik Lovette who is a four-star standout who can also run the ball, and Kirk Merritt who is listed as the Nation’s number four all purpose running back. He is slated as a Wide Receiver with Oregon.

I would expect to see quite a few of these recruits on the field in the Spring Game which is now just a few short months away.

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