Oregon cornerback and track-star Rodrick Pleasant has enterred the transfer portal. He was once the no. 8 cornerback in the class of 2023, a four-star recruit according to 247Sports. Pleasant appeared in seven games as a true freshman in 2023, where he had four tackles, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. In 2024, he only appeared in four games, utilizing a redshirt.
NEW: Oregon CB Rodrick Pleasant has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, @PeteNakos_ reports.
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) April 16, 2025
Pleasant was a 4-star in the 2023 class.https://t.co/kSYG7dYADj pic.twitter.com/Qbp1ERlyc3
Oregon has recruited the corner position at a very high level, which very few can match nationally. This is especially true in the class of 2025, as three of their four highest rated recruits are defensive backs.
The incoming and current depth of the position are likely what drove Pleasant out, as he seeks a more clear path to playing time. Pleasant does have a very unique skillset, highlighted by his blazing speed.
Pleasant will perhaps be most sorely missed by the track and field team. He is a member of the 4x100 relay team, and sprints in the 60 and 100m events as well. He most recently ran a personal (college) best of 10.26 in the 100m. His all time personal best came in high school, 10.14.
Oregon fans should not be surprised by this move. Alongside wide receiver and defensive line, the corners room is the most bloated with high-level talent. Even with all six of Oregon's starting defensive backs graduating and off to the NFL, Rodrick Pleasant did not have a clear path to the field in a meaningful way. In 2024, many other corners seemed to be "off the bench" before Pleasant, in games that were out of reach.
Even those who did not see game action in 2024 are generating lots of buzz for the Ducks this season. Namely, Ify Obidgewu, the former four-star recruit from the state of Maryland.
In addition to Ify, Sione Laulea, Jahlil Florence, Daylen Austin and Northwestern transfer Theran Johnson all look set to start for the Ducks.
Pleasant is the first Duck to enter the spring transfer portal, but there will almost certainly be more. This is not reason to panic, Duck fans. A gentle reminder that Dan Lanning has never lost a starter to the transfer portal.
At Pleasant's 5 feet 9 inches height, he does not fit the mold of what Dan Lanning and his staff look for in corners. Yes, there have been great DB's for the Ducks at a shorter height, like Jabbar Muhammad, but the staff have mentioned that they look for height, length and speed at corner. Pleasant has ridiculous, literal track speed, but severely lacks in the other departments.
Stay tuned to Autzen Zoo to keep up to date with transfer portal news, spring practice stories, and season previews.