2011 Commits and Recruiting News

I don't know guys, Justin is telling everyone on DT to be wary and that nothing is official yet. Lot's of USC fans are still pretty confident that Thomas signs with them plus some are saying the true "insiders" close to Thomas are still saying USC. One recruiter said it would be the biggest recruiting coup he's seen in 8 years.

 

I recall a quote from Thomas this past summer that (quoting as best I can from memory) said... "I don't understand why Oregon isn't recruiting me. Everyone thinks I'm all SC but I've real interest in checking them out. I'd love to get a Duck offer."

Physically the guy he reminds me of is Redskins CB great Darrell Green. He has a top gear that only a few possess, but he's also so composed and coordinated in his movements.

From what I understand, today starts a dead period where coaches aren't allowed to contact PSAs (Potential Student Athletes... thats for you Ed ). Think about the timing of his visit. He's the Trojan's prize recruit from their backyard. Dude came into Eugene without any media knowledge of his visit, totally under the radar. From the rough quote I've just relayed, obviously he's had interest in UO for a while. Maybe it's the Ducks offense, maybe it's the way they've been dominant of late, or maybe something didn't feel right about SC or staying in LA? Now having visited the other West Coast powerhouse he's got a couple of days to mull things over with his family without coaches leaning on him and giving the locals minimal input. As with all the kids, I hope he makes the best decision for himself. Wednesday should be interesting to say the least

STOMP

 

btw, here's QB commit Jerrard Randall's Sr highlights... I'm thinking the zone read suits him

[video=youtube;aIuMWLb22ik]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIuMWLb22ik&feature=player_embedded[/video]

STOMP

 

Wow. Thomas would make this class a top 5 class wouldn't it. I'm excited about this kid like I am about Lyerla.

 

De'AT will announce 5PM PST on signing day on ESPN ZONE

STOMP

 

likely Duck signing day announcement according to Scout

http://centralmichigan.scout.com/a.z?s=340&p=8&c=1&nid=4902573

STOMP

 

Fisher would be a good get. If somehow Simmons and or Heyward commit as well, it will be outstanding

 

the Ducks are supposed to be going primarily to a 3-4 next year. Ideally you want a big hog in the middle who goes 300 pounds or so and some stout DEs in the 270-280 range flanking him. Their options along their D Line include (these are the most recent weights I know of) Heimuli 315 Keliikipi 295 Ebert 285 Hart 280 Remington 280 & Turner 265. Of those 6 guys, only Turner will be a Sr. next year. I've read that Washington has put on lots of good weight and is up to 260 or so, so maybe he'll factor with this group by next fall. They also have Hanna Jordan & Anderson as speed type DEs for when they want to mix up their look and go to a 4-3, but they may have to become hybrid outside LB types to see many snaps next year. Assuming the verbals all commit tomorrow, this next class adds the already mentioned Ebert + Koa-Ka'ai, Byers & Kamp who all project well as 3-4 lineman following a redshirt year.

Now look at the Linebackers specifically for the two inside spots. Kiko Alonso & Michael Clay are the only two guys with experience. Maybe they move Kaddu there & maybe Hanna too because of lack of depth. They've got 5 verbal LB commits, but only Wallace has the bulk to project inside, he looks to play a lot from the get go. Maybe Colt needs to play inside like the guy everyone compares him too? To me Inside LB is more of a position of need then then the D Line.

While I'd love to see them add Simmons and/or Heyward, the guy who I've got my fingers crossed for to round out the club is 235 pound stud inside backer Lamar Dawson. He's played his recruitment very close to the vest but described his OV to Oregon in blown away type superlatives. If he were to sign on with UO tomorrow, I think he'd stand a better chance of starting then anyone else in this class.

STOMP

 

Photo from today of Thomas and Snoop Dogg's son. Either he's Oregon-bound, or he is messing with both Oregon and USC for his own attention, I guess.

 

Signing day morning is as close as I get these days to the feeling you'd get on XMas when you went to bed.

It would be pretty ballsy of DAT to mindscrew both Oregon and USC the day before his LOI.

 

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