Oregon Football Recruiting: Where Do Ducks Stand With Wide Receiver Recruiting?
By Chris Jones
Less than two weeks ago Oregon Football was firm with arguably one of the best Wide Receiver classes in the country but after a coaching change and weeks of uncertainty, they stand with none.
The Ducks were dealt another blow as one of the top-rated players in the state of Oregon, Chase Cota, decided to spurn the in-state school and commit to UCLA.
Cota was always considered a Duck lean because of his family connections to the school. However, once former Oregon coach Chip Kelly arrived in Los Angeles, the Bruins were the team to beat.
It was made official on Thursday afternoon, making Duck fans question how a once elite class of pass-catchers will finish.
After five de-commitments at the position since the beginning of the month, there would seem to be reason for concern.
Step back from the ledge, Duck fans. Signs are pointing to a strong finish.
After Oregon made the hiring of Mario Cristobal official, it seems like the damage is slowly being reversed. There is now hope for a strong finish. The first step is getting the receivers who de-committed back in the flock. Now that the dust has mostly settled regarding coaches, there is a chance to do just that.
One of the most important targets is four-star athlete Braden Lenzy, one of the best players in the state of Oregon.
Lenzy recently took an official visit to Notre Dame but returned home to a group of Oregon assistant coaches who wanted him to know he’s still a priority.
Lenzy and the rest of the de-commits, Treshaun Harrison, Miles Battle, Michael Ezeike, and Warren Thompson, will also be getting a full court press from the players who are still committed. Quarterback commit Tyler Shough has been especially vocal.
Warren Thompson, who had a strong connection to former coach Willie Taggart, likely won’t be heading to Eugene. However, there is a strong possibility that the others do.
Besides getting guys back in the fold, it looks like the Ducks could be getting a boost from one of the top-ranked players in the nation.
Devon Williams has long been considered one of the best playmakers in this class
and has felt a strong connection to Oregon.
It has been reported that Williams will skip his final official visit weekend before the signing period to watch Oregon in the Las Vegas bowl. This is great news, as Williams could be an instant impact at a position of need. It would help regain the lost momentum.
The events of the past couple weeks might have given Duck fans a reason to worry. With the staff being mostly retained, it looks like there is a possibility of a big finish ahead for Oregon Football.
Next: Business as Usual as Ducks Prepare for Boise State
The Ducks and new Head Coach Mario Cristobal will take on Boise State on Saturday in the Las Vegas Bowl. They will be looking to finish the season with an eighth win.