The latest grist in the Oregon football rumor mill regards, as it often does this time of year, the future of the Ducks.
While Oregon has done well recruiting its skilled players in last few years, bringing in new freshmen is always full of surprises (See: De’Anthony Thomas and his change of heart). Head coach Chip Kelly could be the biggest question mark in the Ducks’ upcoming recruiting class. Oregon has the second-fewest number of commitments for the class of 2013 in the Pac-12.
The Oregonian recently pondered whether rumors of Kelly bolting for the NFL could harm the Ducks’ recruiting chances. In the NCAA, coaching changes often spur a player to reevaluate his options and choose to transfer. While some high schoolers could be waiting to make commitments until after Oregon sorts out its Big-Chip-On-Campus problem, here are the top recruits the Ducks have received commitments from so far:
Thomas Tyner (RB / Beaverton, Ore.)
Clearly the crown jewel in the blossoming class, Tyner committed to the Ducks back in October. The 6-foot speedster has torn up Oregon prep records out of Aloha High School. He briefly stirred the pot by removing his commitment to Oregon, but the scare ended quickly for Duck fans with the news that Tyner had reaffirmed his intentions to come to Eugene on Twitter. In his most eye-popping performance, Tyner racked up 643 yards and 10 touchdowns in one game against Lakeridge. On his 18th birthday. Yeah, the kid is special. @@checked@@
Tyree and Tyrell Robinson (Ath. / San Diego, Calif.)
These California twins out of Lincoln High School might not even play their best sports at Autzen. Nationally recruited as “athletes,” the Robinsons are known for their physicality on the basketball court. The pair of four stars received attention from across the country — 18 offers poured in from the Big-12 and the SEC, and literally every school in the Pac-12 gave them some degree of recruiting love. Oregon won the Robinson lottery in late September after the two paid a visit to campus. Defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti’s heavy involvement in their recruitment suggests the two could find themselves in the secondary if and when they take the field at Autzen. @@http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/23/2013-twins-tyree-and-tyrell-robinson-verbally-commit-to-oregon/@@
Matt Wogan (K / Indian Trail, N.C.)
Wogan draws attention as the only special teams player committed to the Ducks thus far. The 6-foot-2 three-star performed well at Oregon’s kicking camp, likely earning his offer on one kick — a 60-yarder that reportedly Kelly and special-teams coach Tom Osborne saw.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” Wogan told Ducks Sports Authority after the camp. “Everyone says, ‘It’s a hard decision,’ but for me it was an easy one. When I left (Oregon) I didn’t have a good feeling, it was the best feeling.” @@http://rivals.yahoo.com/oregon/football/recruiting/player-Matt-Wogan-141711@@