As of 9 a.m. Wednesday morning on the first day of the Early Signing Period, Oregon has the No. 2 class in the nation according to the 247 Sports Composite, No. 1 in average ranking per recruit with four five-star commitments.
They notched up two more spots after the surprise signing this morning of two defensive backs, Azel Banag and Trevon Watson.
Banag is Oregon's first flip of this signing day, previously committed to Harvard, a program first in that respect. He's a three-star prospect ranked No. 769 in the Composite, 5-11.5, 170. His father is a former South Carolina linebacker and defensive back.
Hampton rebuilds depth with smart signing period additions
Scott Reed of Duck Sports Central has an in-depth profile. What makes Banag intriguing is his intelligence, one, never a bad asset in building a secondary, his drive, two, obvious from earning a place at a prestigious Ivy League school, and his versatility as a physical defender who can force on the run and cover slot receivers, one of the toughest assignments in the modern passing game.
Reed points out that Banag swiped five passes as a senior, indicating ball skills and football instincts. Hampton likes the heady cover guys like Jadon Canaday and Brandon Finney, technicians who are coachable. As a prospect to round out a secondary, Banag is an excellent addition, a young man who should adapt readily to the Oregon culture.
Also signed and delivered is Watson, a JUCO transfer from College of San Mateo, 5-11. 185, a three-star with offers from Boise State and North Texas.
While Oregon garnered elite prospects like Jett Washington and Davon Benjamin in this class, It's important to add role players too. Sometimes the perceived role players can outwork and outshine their higher-rated teammates, something that happened when Brandon Finney played his way onto the Freshman All-America team this year-- Finney wasn't some overlooked find, but he has progressed faster than players rated above him, proving himself as an elite player and technically advanced cover guy. The work separated him.
Banag's HUDL film can be viewed HERE.