I hated Cal since the 06 game (I think it was)... Highly ranked, sure we would beat them, and we pretty much lose the game on the FIRST offensive play.
a little perspective to salve the wounds after wiffing on a top safety... Oregon projects to go into next season with Boyett, Javes Lewis, Marcus Davis, Brian Jackson, James Scales, Eric Dargan, with Ifo redshirting in the wings should a rash of injuries hit. Thats 7 guys, depth and quality are in good shape. the D Line and WR spots are where there is a need for more quality recruits this cycle and some very bright prospects have Oregon at the top of their lists. In those spots there is the real possibility of early PT as a true freshman... any new recruit at safety probably will be asked to redshirt STOMP
here's an ESPN link on the top receivers in this upcoming class that should brighten the day last year the reported fastest guy coming out of HS was Lache... this year it's Tacoi STOMP
I'm also trying to keep in perspective how this process goes. I mean kids come and go and change their minds a lot. And we steal commits that are thought to be leans at other schools. Darron Thomas was once committed to LSU Huff was comitted to TCU up until signing day. Heimuli was a complete surprise last years signing day. Then I think of the J-Stew's, Cam Colvins, and Haloti Ngata's of the world. Recruiting is a marathon not just a sprint. There will always be the Bryce Browns, Tahj Boyds, Todd Barrs, Avery Walls as well.
I'm new to the whole recruiting thing, so losing out on big guys is disappointing, especially when they go to a school that has a shitty team.
would a new Duck recruit help lighten the mood? ESPN is reporting Oregon has received a commitment from 3* LB Rodney Hardrick. He's a former teammate of another projected Duck safety I forgot to list a couple posts back, Derrick Malone. I understand he suffered a knee injury his Sr. year but was a pretty hot prospect prior to that. STOMP
gotta roll with the punches. I've only been paying real close attention to the recruiting part for about 4 years now. My best advice would be to remember that the Ducks are competing with 119 other schools for kids, and these big time kids pretty much can play at a school of their choice. And they have a LOT of people pulling them in different direcitons. Its a fun thing to follow thats for sure, but there are highs and lows. Todd Barrs, Gibsons, Farmers etc are lost. But Darron Thomas, LaMichael James, Huff, Seastrunk, Dontae Williams etc are gained. And guys like Patrick Chung, and Walter Thurmond and co werent highly recruited at all, and they turned out pretty good. I would just say dont get too caught up in those highs and lows, LOI day is still almost 2 months away. And 80% of these kids wont even see the field until 2012 as it is.
Oregon has been trending up both in recruiting and on the field for a while now. As Wheels points out, many of the best players in the recent history of Oregon's success were diamonds in the rough types who were lightly regarded by the recruiting services when they committed. While landing top prospects is exciting, it's not the end all. The recruiting classes who've earned this trip to the national championship game averaged a #24 overall rating by rivals... enjoy the ride STOMP
Ducks add the top rated JC receiver in the country Rahsaan Vaughn for those of us who are juke box heros (got stars in their eyes), rivals is likely to bump him to 4* status shortly as he had a big 2nd year STOMP
Anyone know when Lyerla plans to announce. Man I hope we get him. Please don't be another Owamagbe Odighizuwa or Gabe King. With French here it begs the question, that if we land Lyerla what position do we put each at.
I'd be stoked to have both as TEs who could line up outside as well as on the line mixing up looks and exploiting matchups. I'd also love to have both as DEs, or LBs, or (of course) having them play different positions. I'd imagine Kelly would love to have more of this sort of problem to work with things may sort themselves out on their own. French hasn't played that much football as he grew up playing hoops. Further, his team ran the ball 90% of the time so he's not had much experience as a receiver. If he's going on offense as is the stated plan, he's probably sitting out a redshirt year. Maybe there it's discovered he has hands of stone and has to go to D? Or maybe one of the two is thought to have such good linebacker instincts that he has to play there? Hopefully we get to see this worked out STOMP
Re: 2011 Commits and Recruiting You can basically add Tra Carson as a commit because of this quote Justin Hopkins on DT got from him. http://oregon.247sports.com/Article/Carson-expects-to-be-a-Duck-8376 Just has to OV this weekend so he can commit. High school teammate of LaMichael James and absolute bowling ball of a running back. According to his facebook he made 1st team all-state and that's pretty legitimate in a state like Texas. As a senior had 2202 yards at 11.24 YPC and 24 TD's. Senior Highlights [video=youtube;kV_tuuvgTWs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV_tuuvgTWs&feature=player_embedded[/video] Junior Highlights [video=youtube;AhQBCeH3kwc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhQBCeH3kwc&feature=related[/video]
Personally, I'd rather have Carson who will compliment our speed backs than Bigelow who has had two knee surgeries. The Ducks will be absolutely stacked at running back for the next few years especially if LaMichael James comes back. LaMichael James Kenjon Barner Lache Seastrunk Dontae Williams Tra Carson and mix in a little Huff in there as well.
Ducks have a visit set up with Christian Heyward. 4* DT. Awesome!! Also we are his last visit which could be huge as well! http://oregon.scout.com/a.z?s=128&p=8&c=1&nid=4701382
and it looks like McReynolds is visiting the week before. Big couple of weeks for some big kids! http://oregon.scout.com/a.z?s=128&p=8&c=1&nid=4262448
I think we're going to like Vaughn. I think we're REALLY going to like Vaughn. He is one of three WR's that I thought could do awesome things at Oregon.
he already did his OV and really liked what he saw but has been quoted saying that he's not so sure he can take the long rain filled winters. Thats why he's coming back in January to see what it's like. A certain UCLA coach reportedly told him it's utterly depressing in the NW in the winter, but dude is from DC... STOMP
