Oregon Football lost a key defensive coach earlier this week when Cornerbacks Coach Donte Williams announced he was leaving the Ducks Football Program.
The news came on Monday and was first reported by Bruce Feldman that Williams was going to leave the Ducks for USC. He is departing for reasons of family and I will not fault him for that. Williams has helped the Oregon secondary become one of the best units in the country during his time with Oregon Football.
Williams sited the failing health of his father as a key reason for wanting to get close to his LA area home. In a post on Twitter, he thanked Oregon and the fans for the time he was given with the Ducks as well as Coach Helton from USC for the opportunity. One aspect of Donte Williams that will be missed is recruiting.
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Donte Williams was the top recruiter in the Pac-12, but will now be doing it for a team in the Pac-12 South. According to 247Sports, Williams was responsible for bringing in Justin Flowe and Dontae Manning into the fold with the Ducks. Time will tell if they remain with Oregon or decide to reopen their recruitment.
Over the last few seasons, Oregon Football has proven that they are not a destination to play for a single coach, but more a family that plays together. Recruits throughout the country have seen that shine through on their visits to Eugene and also in their living rooms when coaches make in home visits.
Mario Cristobal now has a decision to make. There is an opening on the staff. Oregon Co-Defensive Coordinator Keith Heyward could add Cornerbacks to his plate. The team could fill the position in a variety of ways on either side of the ball.
Spring Football is not far away with practice beginning in about a month and the Spring Game on April 18th.