2012 FOOTBALL Commits and Recruiting News

[MickZagger]

I guess we just disagree.... I go to a team that will get me exposure and a national championship if I'm a 5* talent like these guys, in the Pac-12, that's USC, Oregon and "MAYBE" Stanford, we'll see how Luck finally does. To go to a program that will be worked by USC and Oregon for the next 4 years seems like a waste of talent at that level and could hurt my final stock and my overall college football experience. That's why at their level I'd pick a BCS type of team and Cal is not one of those teams!

BTW- Oregon and USC "ARE" the Pac-12 right now and for the foreseeable future, I think everyone in the country would agree with that! So when you see this type of talent opting for Cal, of course it's going to raise a flag. Has nothing to do with being a homer. It's the same as when Auburn pulled two of the top ten recruiting classes the last few years over teams like Bama and LSU... It's exactly why everyone from Florida is feeling so uneasy about Meyer taking over at OSU... Talk to some alum down there and see how they would describe Meyer's recruiting habbits.... Eye opener for sure!!!! I would suggest this is a make or break year for Tedford and recruiting violations are the least of his worries. As we've seen USC can win several championships be put on probations, and come rolling right back!

Meyer won his first national championship with Zook's recruits.

 

[Da_O]

Jeremy Castro took a surprise unofficial visit to UCLA the other day, but says he is all Duck.

"Oh I'm committed to Oregon, I'm a Duck," Castro said. "I went yesterday because I have a younger brother that wanted to check it out. My older brother kind of wanted to meet the coaches too since Mora coached in the NFL. But it doesn't matter to me, I'm all Oregon."

Will Castro be taking any future visits?

"Nope, I have been telling coaches that call me not to waste their time," he said. "They have all started to back off which has been nice. I just can't wait to get up to Eugene and start helping out the team."

"I can't wait to watch the Ducks on Jan. 2 in the Rose Bowl," he said. "I'm not going but I'm not going to miss watching it. I love my team and I think they are going to win big. I think the Ducks win 38-20 over Wisconsin."

 

[Da_O]

Kyle Long has committed to Oregon according to DT.
http://oregon.247sports.com/
http://oregon.scout.com/a.z?s=128&p=8&c=1&nid=5807065

Now we're going to have Howie Long and Tony Dungy in the stands.

 

[Targus]

4 star athlete (according to Scout) and only two offers - from Oregon and SMU ? ?

Those pesky Scout losers! Why they always pickin' on us?

15 pound difference between ESPN and Scout weights.

 

[Ed O]

4 star athlete (according to Scout) and only two offers - from Oregon and SMU ? ?

According to ESPN, UCLA, WSU and Tennessee had also offered him and Auburn, Arkansas, USC, Florida State and Utah had also recruited him.

Those pesky Scout losers! Why they always pickin' on us?

We'll see if he goes down a star now that he's committed to Oregon.

15 pound difference between ESPN and Scout weights.

I wonder if that's due to the info on one or the other is from 2008 when he came out of high school.

The first recruiting cycle he certainly was hot stuff... and then he decided to play baseball at FSU.

He's only got one year of eligibility, I believe, so hopefully he's good enough to make a difference while he's here.

Ed O.

 

[Da_O]

According to ESPN, UCLA, WSU and Tennessee had also offered him and Auburn, Arkansas, USC, Florida State and Utah had also recruited him.



We'll see if he goes down a star now that he's committed to Oregon.



I wonder if that's due to the info on one or the other is from 2008 when he came out of high school.

The first recruiting cycle he certainly was hot stuff... and then he decided to play baseball at FSU.

He's only got one year of eligibility, I believe, so hopefully he's good enough to make a difference while he's here.

Ed O.

Yes, he has 1 year of eligibility, but he is appealing for a second year. Scout just recently had him as a five star about a week ago but had moved him down to 4. He is a big time commitment and I suspect he might start right away as Darrion Weems is moving on.

 

[Da_O]

If we miss on McCarthy(which is more than likely) I want us to offer this guy.
!

He's only a 2*star and his offer sheet is unimpressive, but I have a feeling that has a lot to do with his height. He's 6'1" 280 pounds. Smaller guys get great leverage and there have been some pretty good DT's at that height. Would be great at NT/DT.

Anyways just thought I'd throw that out there as I've heard this guy really wants an offer from Oregon.

 

[Da_O]

Also 2011 5 star RB Brandon Williams is transferring to Texas A&M from Oklahoma. Texas A&M already has 3 RB's coming in this class and another big one with this transfer. I wonder if this helps us with Trey Williams as the coach runs a pass heavy offense.

 

[Wheels]

while I'm excited to get Long. When I first read this my heart skipped a beat cause I was thinking Kyle Murphy which would be HUGE. Still good get

 

[Da_O]

Nevermind about Trey Williams. He officially eliminated us and sighted that it was just too far from home.

Also it's the dead period starting today till January 3rd. So it's going to be rather quiet on the recruiting front till then.

 

[Ghost Pepper]

Stomp- How is everyone in the country disagreeing with the fact that Oregon and USC are the Pac-12 for the next few years? Explain.... would love to hear this!

 

[Wheels]

Stomp- How is everyone in the country disagreeing with the fact that Oregon and USC are the Pac-12 for the next few years? Explain.... would love to hear this!

technically you said that "right now" and for the forseeable future, Oregon and USC are the Pac 12.

well "right now" Stanford might have something to say about it

ps I dont think he was saying everyone in the country is disagreeing with you... I think he was pointing out that you said everyone in the country would agree with you, yet there are people who who might not agree with you in this small community.

(just my interpretation)

 

[Ghost Pepper]

So on a Duck Board there are people who don't think Oregon and USC ARE the Pac-12 for the foreseeable future? K! I'm pretty sure the Ducks have owned it the last few years and USC before that and USC seems to be coming back to form... Maybe I'm missing a school and stanford escaped USC and we blasted them... I don't put them on these two schools level.... with Luck gone they'll be hurtling with Cal, UCLA, AZ again next year....

On a side note I'm glad my home town could give the Ducks a Long kid! He's got some good size!

 

[Wheels]

So on a Duck Board there are people who don't think Oregon and USC ARE the Pac-12 for the foreseeable future? K! I'm pretty sure the Ducks have owned it the last few years and USC before that and USC seems to be coming back to form... Maybe I'm missing a school and stanford escaped USC and we blasted them... I don't put them on these two schools level.... with Luck gone they'll be hurtling with Cal, UCLA, AZ again next year....

On a side note I'm glad my home town could give the Ducks a Long kid! He's got some good size!

Just pointing out the semantics that you are arguing arent even there.

 

[STOMP]

So on a Duck Board there are people who don't think Oregon and USC ARE the Pac-12 for the foreseeable future? K!

Oregon is the obvious favorite to win the Pac 12 next year. But with Kalil gone and Barkley likely to follow, USC is going to take a step back. And with their recruiting sanctions just starting, I don't expect them to be at the top of the conference again for a while... the future is brighter at both Cal and Stanford. Thats my 2 cents of prognostications

STOMP

 

[Targus]

USC and Stanford will be competitive - even without Barkley and Luck. Cal could be dangerous - if Maynard can get it together. UW returns the majority of their offense but should continue to struggle on defense. Utah could surprise a few teams next year with good core players returning and a strong 5 wins in 7 games to wrap up the reg season.

Oregon will be favored to win the Pac, again, and return to a BCS game. We have a weak OOC schedule and if everything aligns, it could be a wild ride. Unfortunately, we open with three home games vs non-BCS qual teams (Arkansas St, Fresno St, Tenn Tech) - it just doesn't bode well for national respect.

I believe we have Stanford at home and our road games included USC, Cal, ASU, and lowly OSU and WSU. 14-0 (including Pac12 Champ game)? Why not! Up until a few years ago, the Pac was traditionally won by the most experienced QB. I can't wait to see DT next year.

 

[Targus]

Yes, he has 1 year of eligibility, but he is appealing for a second year. Scout just recently had him as a five star about a week ago but had moved him down to 4. He is a big time commitment and I suspect he might start right away as Darrion Weems is moving on.

You think he'll get the start with being new in a complicated system? I see him in the rotation but def starters as:

Clanton - 6'5" 300# SR - 1V
York - 6'5" 295# SR - 3V
Grasu - 6'3" 290# - 1V
Cody - 6'5" 305# - 3V

Jake Fisher (FR) 6'6" 285# (runs a 4.95 40) has been playing good football in respectable PT. If Long starts, he's going to have to earn it the hard way.

 

[Ed O]

Espn reports that Buckner is going to announce his decision at the Marines game on Jan 3... and that he's no longer gonna visit UCLA (after canceling his Cal trip last weekend) .

I think we've got this one in the bag...

Ed O.

 

[STOMP]

Espn reports that Buckner is going to announce his decision at the Marines game on Jan 3... and that he's no longer gonna visit UCLA (after canceling his Cal trip last weekend) .

I think we've got this one in the bag...

to further point out the likelyhood here, UCLA Cal & Oregon are his final 3

w/Buckner thats 6 guys for the DLine in this class. Castro, Carriger & Buckner on the outside & Bair, Balducci & Daniel inside at DTackle.

the future

STOMP

 

[Ed O]

So... good OL and WR classes last year, a deep DL class this year. Stud RBs last, this, and next years... what do we need to top off this class? Just the best available prospects?

Ed O.

 

[STOMP]

So... good OL and WR classes last year, a deep DL class this year. Stud RBs last, this, and next years... what do we need to top off this class? Just the best available prospects?

another big tough & talented WR would be nice... Darreus Rodgers is scheduled to visit Jan 20th. Theres also been talk of Texas commit Thomas Johnson initiating contact with UO coaches lately. Another TE is probably likely too

another OLineman or two would also round out the roster, preferably both a mauling big guard and an agile tackle. The top get for me at any position would be Kyle Murphy.

But basically you're right about the roster being pretty full and there being no positions in real need of filling. They've 6-7 scholarship spots left which will probably go to the top kids who want them regardless of position... I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them not fill every one of those spots.

STOMP

 

[PapaG]

So... good OL and WR classes last year, a deep DL class this year. Stud RBs last, this, and next years... what do we need to top off this class? Just the best available prospects?

Ed O.

A big hitting strong safety would be a nice addition, as would a traditional NFL-esque LB in the Casey Matthews' mold. I love Michael Clay, but he's undersized. Maybe Boseko Lokombo can put on 20 lbs. over the next two years? Maybe find a Kiko Alonso in terms of build, but without being a head case?

 

[Da_O]

You think he'll get the start with being new in a complicated system? I see him in the rotation but def starters as:

Clanton - 6'5" 300# SR - 1V
York - 6'5" 295# SR - 3V
Grasu - 6'3" 290# - 1V
Cody - 6'5" 305# - 3V

Jake Fisher (FR) 6'6" 285# (runs a 4.95 40) has been playing good football in respectable PT. If Long starts, he's going to have to earn it the hard way.

It would be my guess that unless Long comes into camp and bombs they didn't bring this guy in to back up. He is said to have 1st round talent so I definitely expect him to be the starter.

LT: Long
LG: York
C: Grasu
RG: Cody
RT: Fisher

Swing Tackle: Clanton
Swing Guard: Stevens

That's what I expect it to be, we'll see though.

 

[Ed O]

A big hitting strong safety would be a nice addition, as would a traditional NFL-esque LB in the Casey Matthews' mold. I love Michael Clay, but he's undersized. Maybe Boseko Lokombo can put on 20 lbs. over the next two years? Maybe find a Kiko Alonso in terms of build, but without being a head case?

Hmm... maybe Ken Ekanem (Oregon's in his final four along with UNC, ND and Va Tech).

Or maybe Seth Jacobs? He's a little light but reportedly has the frame to add significant mass. Scout has him at "high" interest level with the Ducks.

Ed O.

 

[Ed O]

another big tough & talented WR would be nice... Darreus Rodgers is scheduled to visit Jan 20th. Theres also been talk of Texas commit Thomas Johnson initiating contact with UO coaches lately.

Rodgers is a USC committ... I guess we flipped one last year, but for some reason I always doubt that anyone is going to flip, ever, which makes me all but ignore commits. I guess it's good I'm not in charge of recruiting, huh?

Another TE is probably likely too

Maybe Pharaoh Brown?

another OLineman or two would also round out the roster, preferably both a mauling big guard and an agile tackle. The top get for me at any position would be Kyle Murphy.

Murphy would be a good get. I know he's looking at Stanford (who just had Nick Davidson commit yesterday) and USC (which has already got an OL recruit or two this year after getting SIX in 2011)... it's interesting that he took such an early visit with Oregon and still has three OVs left.

Ed O.

 

[Ghost Pepper]

Papa G hit it right on the head... we need an absolute terror that WR's and TE's are hearing footsteps everytime they touch the ball!

Ronnie Lott in a Duck Helmet would be nice! HAHA!

 

[Ed O]

I think that the thought of a stud safety is great... but we've already added two safeties (RDaniels and EAmoako), and I wonder if it's realistic to recruit a third. In any event, we've offered Shaq Thompson (as we all know) and Trae Elston at safety, too, but both of those guys seem like longshots so a safety would have to come out of nowhere, it seems.

Ed O.

 

[Targus]

Deep at OL/DT and next year could be the first in a long time where there aren't concern at DT.

Three OL's coming of RS will be good:
Yruretagoyena - 6'5" 295# - Greatwood said the kid is physical and learning fast
Johnstone - 6'6" 275# (Rivals 16th best OL in nation)
Euscher - 6'7" 295# - local kid / 3 sport athlete in HS

DE is a bit of a concern because after Washington and Jordan there isn't a lot of depth or experience.

Rover is also a concern. Replacing Pleasant will hurt. Jackson is good, but his size and aggressiveness is in question. Out of all positions, this is where I'm most concerned because we have several DT's we can slide over to DE.

LB position could possibly be the best in the PAC with Clay, Lokombo and Alonso. Malone adds depth and we have verbals from two strong kids.

I'm not concerned with WR at all. Hoffman, Huff, Vaughn, Hawkins, Murphy - return and will be stronger and sharper. Thomas is Thomas and will see time. The guy people are excited about is Vaughn. He's 6'2", 195#, four start JUCO who will return for his SR season with a better grasp of responsibilities. People are also high on Kelley 6'2" (4* ESPN)- coming out his RS, is getting a lot of praise. Throw in Blackmon, Dungy and Sumler... Wow. I've heard Bennett is just too good to keep off the field and will see time at WR/Slot. With Thomas, Bennett and Mariota at QB...could we also see Mariota and Haines getting some WR time? We actually might be TOO deep, lol.

We're going to be good and deep at WR. Sometimes fans forget how valuable one year of experience and time in the system is. Example: Maehl only caught 53 passes and 6 TD's his JR year. He came back for a huge SR season. This year we have three receivers who have matched Maehl's JR TD catches, one receiver who is one shy and two of those are FR. A lot of kids with PT and an additional year in the system - WR should be a strong position and I think we'll see two of three WR's step up to have a strong 2012 season with balanced receptions and TD's and not one key go to guy. As Oregon's offense develops and expands, I think we'll see more balanced spreading of the ball at RB and WR.

De'Anthony Thomas 13 42 571 43.9 13.6 69 9
Lavasier Tuinei 13 40 441 33.9 11.0 55 8
David Paulson 10 30 428 42.8 14.3 34 6
Josh Huff 10 29 416 41.6 14.3 59 2
LaMichael James 11 17 210 19.1 12.4 44 1
Rahsaan Vaughn 7 14 184 26.3 13.1 46 1
Colt Lyerla 5 7 147 29.4 21.0 39 5
Justin Hoffman 5 10 133 26.6 13.3 33 0
Kenjon Barner 11 15 132 12.0 8.8 31 2
Daryle Hawkins 3 5 102 34.0 20.4 51 1
Will Murphy 3 3 37 12.3 12.3 24 0
Eric Dungy 2 2 34 17.0 17.0 22 1
Nick Musgrove 1 1 8 8.0 8.0 8 0
Tra Carson 8 1 6 0.8 6.0 6 0
Ben Butterfield 1 2 5 5.0 2.5 3 0

But, then again, what do I know...lol!

 

[Ghost Pepper]

I'm telling ya we need to recruit into Florida... Great Secondary players grow off trees down there.... They play two terms of football every year in high school and the difference between a DB, CORNER or Safety that play at FSU, FLorida or Miami and playing at FAI or FIU? What a .1 of a second? We can coach those kids up here and be in great shape.

 

[Targus]

A big hitting strong safety would be a nice addition, as would a traditional NFL-esque LB in the Casey Matthews' mold. I love Michael Clay, but he's undersized. Maybe Boseko Lokombo can put on 20 lbs. over the next two years? Maybe find a Kiko Alonso in terms of build, but without being a head case?

Loko is 6'3", 235#. He's an inch taller than Matthews and the exact weight now as a SO as Matthews played as a SR. He picked Luck for 6 and changed that game - his second pick six of 2011. goducks.com reports, "Led all linebackers with a 330-pound power clean, a 2.84-second electronic 20-yard and a 4.84-second electronic 40-yard during winter conditioning." Baring injury, I think he'll be one of the most feared LB's and he's only a SO.

Clay is short but has 77 tackles/42 solo, 3 sacks, 2 INTS and even missed PT with an injury. He is one of the top performing LB's in the Pac. Not the hardest hitter but he's always around the ball and his football-sense is amazing. I hear he's a great kid and leader in practice and should return for a monster SR year.

Alonso has some dependency issues but appears to have his head on straight lately. He's 6'4", 240# (typical NFL build). He was one of the few players who played his heart out against USC - 6 tackles. He's finishing 2011 strong with 12 tackles and 1 int in the last three games. I think he 'gets it' now that if he messes up again, he's probably gone. If he spends his off-season in the weight and film room instead of the bar and he has the potential to be one of the best LB's in the nation. He's already a great hitter and goducks reports, "posted the top mark among linebackers and third-best overall with a 380-pound bench press during winter testing."

Our LB's are going to be awesome in 2012.