ESPN on Ducks recruiting
Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 9:51 pm
Don't know if you guys read Ted Miller's blog on ESPN, but he has a quote from their lead recruiting guru, Tom Luginbill that echoes the thoughts many of us have been having:
Just like it finished its 2008 season strong, Oregon is hoping for a late recruiting run.
As it stands now, the Ducks have 17 commitments -- 11 on defense -- and rank in the middle of the Pac-10. There are a handful of scholarships available, and the Ducks wouldn't mind handing them out to a pair of elite prospects: quarterback Tajh Boyd from Hampton, Va., and running back Bryce Brown from Wichita, Kan.
Boyd is choosing between Oregon, Ohio State and Clemson, while Brown, a long shot, is a soft commit to Miami.
"This class is not as strong as I would have anticipated," ESPN.com recruiting guru Tom Luginbill said. "But Boyd would be an ideal fit for Chip Kelly's scheme. That would be a big coup for them."
The Ducks need defensive linemen and they've got them, with five commitments there, including a pair of players already enrolled. They've also got four commitments on the offensive line.
Another critical need area that has been well-addressed: specialists. Punter Jackson Rice of Moraga, Calif., and kicker Mike Bowlin of Aliso Viejo, Calif., are both among the best at their respective positions in the country.
With six junior college commitments, Oregon also likely expects many of its recruits to contribute immediately.
Two areas of concern: Awaiting Boyd's decision, the class doesn't have a quarterback; and only one receiver has committed, and that's a position where the Ducks replace two starters.
Just like it finished its 2008 season strong, Oregon is hoping for a late recruiting run.
As it stands now, the Ducks have 17 commitments -- 11 on defense -- and rank in the middle of the Pac-10. There are a handful of scholarships available, and the Ducks wouldn't mind handing them out to a pair of elite prospects: quarterback Tajh Boyd from Hampton, Va., and running back Bryce Brown from Wichita, Kan.
Boyd is choosing between Oregon, Ohio State and Clemson, while Brown, a long shot, is a soft commit to Miami.
"This class is not as strong as I would have anticipated," ESPN.com recruiting guru Tom Luginbill said. "But Boyd would be an ideal fit for Chip Kelly's scheme. That would be a big coup for them."
The Ducks need defensive linemen and they've got them, with five commitments there, including a pair of players already enrolled. They've also got four commitments on the offensive line.
Another critical need area that has been well-addressed: specialists. Punter Jackson Rice of Moraga, Calif., and kicker Mike Bowlin of Aliso Viejo, Calif., are both among the best at their respective positions in the country.
With six junior college commitments, Oregon also likely expects many of its recruits to contribute immediately.
Two areas of concern: Awaiting Boyd's decision, the class doesn't have a quarterback; and only one receiver has committed, and that's a position where the Ducks replace two starters.