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Open Source Ducks Recruiting Update From the Snoregonian
AZDuck
Member Posts: 15,381
The Oregon Ducks recruiting class hasn't added a prospect in the past few days, but that hasn't stopped the collection of talent from moving up a spot to No. 18 in the latest ESPN recruiting rankings.
The class is second-best in the Pac-12, behind only USC (No. 6). UCLA took the biggest tumble of any team in the entire top 40, sliding one spot behind the Ducks to No. 19.
Oregon has not been a traditional recruiting power, having finished with a top 10 class only once in the school's history, so the top 20 mark is a strong indication that the Ducks are making headway as a national brand across the country.
The feat is made even more impressive given that only two schools ahead of Oregon – No. 16 Ole Miss and No. 13 LSU – have fewer commitments than the Ducks.
The slight uptick was primarily caused by the rise of defensive end Canton Kaumatule, who has become a consensus five-star prospect after his stunning display during his week of Under Armour All-American practices.
In a Rivals' top 100 risers and sliders article, Rivals National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell compared Kaumatule to a former Oregon superstar:
"This kid fits in with the massive ends already at Oregon but I think he ends up moving inside and becoming a dominant 3-technique. He has the potential to be a Haloti Ngata-kind of prospect if he continues to develop. He's that physically gifted and impressive."
Another Oregon commit who has seen a his stock soar recently is Semper Fidelis All-American running back Malik Lovette.
In a Jan. 20 article about the risers and sliders in Rivals' top 250 rankings, West Recruiting Analyst Blair Angulo had this to say about the 5-foot-11, 203-pound athlete:
"Perhaps the most versatile offensive weapon for the West team at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, the Oregon commit certainly made his presence felt. Lovette has all the tools coaches want out of the slot-type receivers -- vision, hands, quickness and route running -- and he carries the ball effectively, too. He does a great job of setting up for what he'll do after the catch. Lovette guided Redlands (Calif.) Redlands East Valley to a state bowl game victory and should fit in nicely with the Ducks' high-octane attack."
While Rivals' analysis doesn't directly affect ESPN's rankings, similar observations have been made about the two future Ducks by several recruiting experts.
Even with a top 20 class, the rise may not yet be over. Duck fans can expect the ranking to move up if Nike SPARQ national champion Kirk Merritt commits to a future in Eugene. The 5-foot-11, 203-pound athlete had an in-home visit with coaches last week and Oregon appears very much in the mix for his services.
Offensive linemen Semisi Uluave and Darrin Paulo, as well as defensive standouts Daishon Neal and Iman Marshall, could also have a positive effect on Oregon's ranking if they were to commit.
National Signing Day is Feb. 4.
Comments
Oregon has been recruiting well for years obviously. And moving up. but will they bleed carbon gray black silver and metal?
http://www.oregonlive.com/recruiting/index.ssf/2015/01/oregon_ducks_top_10_football_r_3.html#incart_river