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Wednesday War Room: Early look at some key defensive additions

Today in the War Room, exploring Dan Lanning's coverage strategies for Oregon's defense in 2023. Today I took a little deeper look at the Lanning defensive philosophy and how four key transfers could fit into the scheme to improve the overall defense in 2023.


Commitment Impact: Ify Obidegwu

This is tomorrow's article, but thought I would post it here now:

Scouting Report

Ify Obidegwu is a versatile football player who primarily lines up as a wide receiver but has experience playing running back and defensive back. He shows good speed, quickness, solid hands, and the ability to make tough catches in traffic.

Obidegwu is a physical player who is not afraid to go up and get the ball and shows good body control and leaping ability. He is also a good route runner who can create separation from defenders and has a good sense of timing and spacing.

Defensively, Obidegwu shows good instincts and reads the quarterback well. He has good ball skills and can make plays on the ball, as well as solid tackling ability.

Overall, Obidegwu is a well-rounded player who has the potential to contribute in multiple phases of the game. With his speed, quickness, and physicality, he has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker at the next level.

Commitment Impact

Obidegwu's commitment to Oregon adds another versatile athlete to an already solid recruiting class. With commitments from players at multiple positions, including tight end, defensive end, and quarterback, the Ducks are building a strong foundation for the future.

Obidegwu's experience playing multiple positions on both offense and defense could make him a valuable asset for the Ducks. His athleticism and versatility could potentially allow him to contribute in a variety of ways, and his potential impact on special teams should not be overlooked.

While Oregon's current recruiting class may not be ranked as high as some of the other top programs, the Ducks are still bringing in a solid group of players who could contribute to the team's success in the future. With Obidegwu's commitment, the Ducks are adding another talented athlete to the mix, and his potential impact on both offense and defense makes him an intriguing prospect for the program.

Overall, Ify Obidegwu's commitment to Oregon is a positive addition to the program and could help the Ducks build toward future success.

Does this help with Van Buren?

Yes, Obidegwu and Michael Van Buren are both highly touted prospects playing for the same high school team. Obidegwu, a versatile athlete who can play on both offense and defense, Obidegwu’s commitment was big for Oregon – but it could prove even bigger. Van Buren is still uncommitted but has visited Oregon multiple times – including consecutive weekends in late April.

Obidegwu's commitment to Oregon could potentially have an impact on Van Buren's decision. Playing together in high school has strengthened their relationship, and Obidegwu's decision to commit to the Ducks could make Oregon an even more appealing destination for Van Buren.

If Van Buren were to join Obidegwu and commit to the Ducks, he would join an already impressive recruiting class that includes Obidegwu and several other talented prospects.

While it's unclear how much of a factor Obidegwu's commitment will play in Van Buren's decision, the fact that they have played together in high school and could potentially continue playing together in college could be a strong selling point for the Ducks. Van Buren would have the opportunity to continue building on the on-field chemistry he has already established with Obidegwu, and the two could potentially form a dynamic duo for Oregon.

Of course, Van Buren's decision will ultimately come down to what he feels is the best fit for him as a player and a person. However, with Obidegwu now committed to Oregon, the Ducks have added another talented prospect to their already impressive recruiting class, and it will be interesting to see if this helps sway Van Buren's decision in their favor.

NOTES ON OTHER TARGETS:

- Chris Johnson (Unrated): Oregon has offered Johnson and is one of several top programs pursuing him, but he has not yet named any favorites in his recruitment. This is a name to watch as some of the other targets come off of the board.

- Aaron Scott (#31 DB, 4-star): Oregon has offered Scott, and is considered a top contender in his recruitment, with many analysts predicting he could ultimately end up in the Ducks' class. I know that the visit to Eugene really moved the needle for Scott, but this one still feels like it is all Ohio State.

- Zabien Brown (#7 DB, 4-star): Oregon has offered Brown and is among his top options, with many analysts predicting he could ultimately end up in the Ducks' class. This is going to be a battel with USC and you can never count out the Trojans for defensive backs. Oregon would take Brown no matter what.

- Miles Lockhart (#43 DB, 3-star): Oregon has offered Lockhart, and is considered a top contender in his recruitment, but he has not yet named any favorites in his recruitment. Lockhart has a strong relationship with Demetrice Martin and Cole Martin, but this one is a long shot as right now it also appears that Ohio State is the heavy favorite.

- Dakoda Fields (#10 DB, 4-star): Fields has visited Oregon multiple times and it should be said that the Ducks seem like the leader in the clubhouse at the moment. There is some time to go and we know how things can change when other players start coming off the board. Fields is a physical and aggressive defensive back with good size (6'2", 175 lbs) and speed. He shows solid tackling ability and doesn't shy away from contact, often delivering big hits on ball carriers. In coverage, he displays good instincts and ball skills, with the ability to break up passes and make interceptions. He also shows versatility, lining up at both safety and cornerback positions.

However, one area that Fields could work on is his footwork and technique in coverage. At times, he can be a bit choppy in his movements and may struggle to stay with faster and more elusive receivers. Overall, Fields has the potential to develop into an exceptional college player with further refinement of his skills and technique.



All for now!

Grebo's back and will run the 400H in Pac12 championship next week u

We finally are getting ready some news from Hansen at the RG about Oregon Track this year. He interviewed Shana Grebo about the end of her year long eligibility issue (no reason given) and the possibility that she will run in her "signature" event, the 400 hurdles next week at the Pac 12 championship. This is surprisingly good news. Also some good information about Elliot Cook and his redshirt year in the article about last night's Twilight meet at Hayward linked in the tweet below.

Interview links follow that.

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Tomorrow's Flock Talk Recruiting notes

For those of you that may not want to read the poetic waxing about realignment here are the recruiting notes: (I quote Homer, and Thomas Hardy with some channeling of Faulkner as well. Apologies to those that just want the recruiting notes!)

RECRUITING NOTES:

- Another visitor from the Spring Game was Jeremiah McClellan. Clint Cosgrove gave us an excellent interview from McClellan but I am going to build a little on that. Yes, distance is a factor with McClellan, but I think the staff did a fantastic job overcoming this during the unofficial visit and did a really good job at getting his family on board with the trip. Dan Lanning is from the Kansas City area, so talking to a Missouri family about the travel is certainly very genuine and the staff have a great vision that they are able to present. What is crucial here is that Oregon is recruiting McClellan harder than anyone and the unofficial visit was a home run. The Ducks are setting up a big weekend for the middle of June and I expect that is when they will try to get McCLellan back out for his official visit.

- Another Missouri star – Williams Nwaneri named Oregon in his top ten recently and that is a good sign that the Ducks have yet to be eliminated. Folks at Lee’s Summit North think that his upside is even better than his rankings. It says something that the No. 20 player in the nation has an upside better than his rankings. I am not overly optimistic he ends up selecting Oregon. His head coach – Jamar Mozee – was a highly touted recruit himself who played at Oklahoma when Brent Venables was the Co-defensive coordinator – so I would right now call the Sooners the leader, but there is still some time to go in this one.

- Aaron Butler had a fantastic visit to Oregon and everyone felt it was only a matter of time until he committed. Then he had a fantastic visit to Colorado and now the feeling is that Colorado will be his landing spot. I cannot say whether he will or will not sign with Colorado, but let’s give this post-visit glow some time to wear off and see where things stand in a week or two. Every year there are a handful of players that really love every visit and it feels like they are ready to commit multiple times. I think this one still has some time to play out before anything is really ironclad.

- Bennett Warren has already been to Eugene for an unofficial visit. After that visit, he told Rivals about Oregon as the visit helped cement the Ducks as a frontrunner in his recruitment as it reminded him of his original hometown in the northeast.

"Oregon was really dope," he said. "Those facilities are insane. The coaches in general are great people to be around. I was there for four days and I felt at home every day. I used to live up in Ithaca, New York and it's a similar feeling up there. Cooler weather, up in the mountains."

Warren will visit again on June 23rd and I still think Oregon has a chance here. Lanning and A'Lique Terry have some work to do, but they are doing all the right things with Warren.



All for now!

Flock Talk: Elysium

Trying to stay occupied for the time being as I have to deliver some difficult news today and want to not think about it for a few minutes. Today in Flock Talk, there are some usual recruiting notes, but I also talked about conference realignment, the sacrifices, and potential regrets of any decision that might come in the future.

The possibility of Oregon joining the B1G Conference raises questions about what they would be sacrificing in exchange for national success. With no guarantee that a national championship would follow, would the team regret sacrificing their soul for the pursuit of glory? The drama surrounding media rights adds to the chaos of a potential move.

In the Film Room: Oregon WR target Jeremiah McClellan

I'm starting a new weekly feature titled "From the Film Room"

Each week I'll break down a selected recruit and then turn on the film to show real life examples of what makes their skill-set special.

The first episode features Oregon WR target Jeremiah McClellan. I hope you give it a watch and enjoy. Thank you!

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Brooks and Pritchard

I have seen some pretty negative headlines re Brooks lately, talking smack about Lebron and even smacking his groin. Stock dropping, I'd guess.
Pritchard sounds like he wants to be traded, doesn't want to spend his prime warming the bench, even if it is for a contender. Orlando I think was in talk, but the Celtics have incentive to keep him another year to get more for him, so he may have to wait another year..

True Fr. Defenders Who could play early based on Spring Game

Crepea mentions Cole Martin, Matayo and Tuioti. It's a subscribers only article. Funa is quoted as saying Tuioti has been great in practice. Two coach's sons tearing it up early.
Has everyone seen that still photo of Martin's 29 yd. PR? His legs are chiseled with huge thighs, and he's just not built like a Fr. There's so much comp. at these positions these guys play it might be hard for them to get on the two deep, but it would not be shocking.

Weekend Recruiting Notes

Thought I would put tomorrow's recruiting notes up now. Would be literally impossible to give you an update on all 60+ recruits in town. Hoping we can get some interviews done over the next few days as well.

WEEKEND RECRUITING NOTES:

- Luke Moga started the weekend off with a bang for Oregon with a surprise commitment. The students and fans took notice of his presence at the game Saturday and it just reinforced why he loved Oregon and what it means to him. Moga is a west coast athlete – he knows that teams do not get 45,000 fans out for a Spring Game; except in Eugene. He was floored by the atmosphere and the attention from fans and students only reinforced his decision.

- I still think it is going to be tough to get Michael Van Buren and Moga in the same class, but don’t sleep on the concept. I know for sure Oregon wants to sign two QBs in this class and those are their two top targets right now. One coach to pay attention to in all of this is analyst Jordan Salkin. He spends his time with quarterbacks and has been instrumental in recruiting efforts on campus. Salkin has really been able to make a connection with 2025 QB Akili Smith Jr. and he is also making Van Buren a priority.

- Of all the recruits on campus, the one I think is most likely to commit is Kamar Mothudi. It is no secret that he really loves the coaches and the campus. He had a fantastic visit once again and really seems like most likely at this point.

- The more time goes by, the more I also feel like Brayden Platt will pick Oregon. I know there are some other schools pushing, but the Ducks seem to be a team that stands out for Platt and I think that proximity works in their favor here.

- There were a bunch of elite players in town. David Stone, Dylan Stewart, Justin Williams, Brandon Baker, and Jordan Ross were just some of those elite players. Of that group, I like Oregon’s chances with Baker and Williams. I know that elite programs are going to try and make a late push for both, but I still feel like Oregon is the spot for both.

- While Stone loved his time in Eugene, I think the player who really had his eyes opened was TJ Lindsey the 6-3, 291-pound defensive lineman from Arkansas. I know a lot of people feel like he is a Texas A&M lean, but if Williams and a few others keep working peer recruiting, he is someone I could see picking Oregon.

- Jordan Anderson is going to be the best peer recruiter in this class for Oregon.

- There was a silent commit over the weekend, but no one will tell me who it was – only that it happened. From what I was told this is from an elite player that is going to help Oregon recruit other elite players. At this point, yes, there is a silent commitment. No, I do not know who it is.

- Final note, 2025 wide receiver Jaime Ffrench was in town for the Elite 11 Regional camp and word is he was dominant during drills as a receiver. This visit was a surprise, but he does have a legitimate interest in Oregon. Seeing wide receivers like Troy Franklin, Traeshon Holden, Kris Hutson, and Tez Johnson all get big plays is something that resonated with him and his relationship with Junior Adams is strong.

All for now!
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