Oregon Ducks News: Duck recruit hilariously trolls old rivals, Hill embraces what's next, Kelly cut, Romero in

New Duck hilariously trolls old rivals

Four-star Oregon linebacker commit Tristan Phillips, 6-4, 217 from Ventura High School in Ventura, Calif., committed to Oregon on December 7, but he's already in the spirit of "Dubs Down" and taking a well-earned jab at Washington, Oregon State and USC.

Yesterday on social media he took aim at Husky fans, pointing a big foam finger at the scoreboard.

Phillips leaned in to all the indignant replies. Already emerging as a great peer recruiter and enthusiastic fan of all things Oregon, his energy reminds fans of favorites like Penei Sewell, Troy Dye and Jackson Powers-Johnson in his love for his chosen school.

The blue-chip linebacker has been a frequent visitor since his commitment, making return trips for both the Spring Game and the Scavenger Hunt.

Triple Fong Bomb Follows Cantwell Miss

Within hours of Jackson Cantwell's decision to attend Miami, Steve Wiltfong of On3 Sports issued three predictions for Oregon, tackle Immanuel Iheanacho, quarterback Ryder Lyons, and Rochester, New York wide receiver Messiah Hampton, three Top 100 recruits, two of them five-stars.

Cantwell's an exceptional recruit, but this is a strong pivot for the Ducks. It makes more sense to land three top prospects than to overpay for one guy.

Iheanacho recently posted a 600-pound squat. He's 6-7, 340, an Under Armour All-American and the No. 4 recruit in the country.

Pro Duck Completes a Cool Move

According to Joe Curley of the Ventura County Star, former Oregon cornerback Troy Hill has been named head coach at St. Bonaventure, the high school where he won a state championship in 2008.

A four-year starter for the Ducks from 2010-2014, Hill played ten seasons in the NFL with the the Bengals, Rams, Browns, Panthers and Buccaneers after beginning his career as a free agent, 121 games in all.

He led the league in defensive touchdowns in 2020.

Hill told Curley, "This is where it all started for me," said Hill. "St. Bonaventure gave me the discipline, support, and faith to believe in something bigger than myself. I'm excited to give back by helping shape the next generation-not just as athletes, but as young men of character.”

He's not the only ex-Duck to follow a pro career by moving on to coaching. All-time fastest Oregon wide receiver Samie Parker is currently the wide receiver coach at Delaware State.

All she does is win: Kiara Romero qualifies for the U.S. Open

Oregon women's golfer Kiara Romero carded a 65-68 to win the Women's U.S. Open qualifier at Arrowhead Golf Club in Molalla, Oregon this week.

The Big Ten Champion and individual medalist at the NCAA Gold Canyon Regional at Superstition Mountain Golf Club in Gold Canyon, Arizona, Romero advances to the U.S. Open tournament at Erin HIlls in Hartford, Wisconsin May 29-June 1.

Deja Kelly receives unkindest cut of all

Oregon guard Deja Kelly was waived by the Las Vegas Aces despite shooting 75% during her tryout, a reflection of how tough it is to make it in pro sports and the WNBA in particular.

The league has just 13 teams, compared to 30 for the NBA. Kelly will have to develop her craft in Europe, Asia or Australia, where she's bound to be popular with fans for her ball-handling and mid-range shooting.

The former five-star recruit and high school All-American from Duncanville, Texas averaged 14.7 points a game for the Ducks, leading the team to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Ted talk: Ted Leroux makes bold comparison for Dante Moore

In a column Tuesday for Scoop Duck, Ted Leroux points out just how big a jump Dante Moore might make taking over as the new Oregon quarterback:

Bo Nix’s first season in Eugene saw him improve his completion percentage by 12 percentage points, throw for over 1,300 more yards and more than double his touchdown passes from the previous season at Auburn. In 2022, Bo saw a big jump certainly, but the best was yet to come in 2023.

A similar 2-year plan seems to be a realistic expectation for Dante Moore at Oregon.

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