I was asked on Twitter by one of our members who I thought might be the five most likely to commit. As I begin this post, I actually don't know if I am going to name two, three, five or more. I am simply going to run down a list of some kids that we have heard some things that make us believe that they could pull the trigger this weekend.
- Spencer Webb. The spots for tight end are likely to be somewhat limited and Webb has called Oregon one of his top targets. With a lot of tight end offers out and the possibility that there might not be a spot later on, there are strong odds that Webb could make the decision following his second visit to Eugene within a short time span
- Isaiah Bolden. I am told by one person close to the staff that there is a very real possibility that Bolden makes the flip from Florida State during or shortly after his visit. I know that FSU made an in-home trying their best to keep him in the fold, but Ray oodie has been recruiting Bolden for a long time. That and his established relationship with the staff are good signs. Another good sign? His dad is making the trip with him.
- Steve Stephens. Okay, well, he is not visiting this weekend, but he is scheduled to commit this weekend, so I included him! Stephens has really cut this down to a two team race, USC and Oregon. Look, USC is going to be tough to beat, as we learned with the Josh Falo decision. Just like then, USC insiders tell me that Stevens is not expected to commit to USC. Fake news? Maybe. But almost everything I have heard point to positive signs for the Ducks.
Dawson Jaramillo. I really think that, when all is said and done, Jaramillo is a Duck. In fact, if I were a betting man, I would bet a Jim Leavitt Pepsi that he is already a Duck. Oregon has been a long time favorite of the OL and I think that he finally pulls the trigger.
Chase Cota. I have not been shy about saying that this recruitment is absolutely nothing like the Elijah Molden recruitment. Another who I think, when its all said and done will be a Duck. Does that happen this weekend? I am less certain of that, but I do know that Taggart wants to bring out a large home-run weekend and I think those people who can have a major impact and head to summer camps as Duck recruiters are going to be important - and I think Cota will be one of the absolute best Duck recruiters once he makes it official.
Jamal Elliott. He has been responsive and this is down to, I believe, a 50/50 situation. I think Oregon stands a very good chance here. Not sure how much to read into him skipping the Tennessee game, but insiders at Virginia Tech seem to think that makes him a Duck. With only a couple of RB spots available, and one of those already locked up, Elliott might feel the urge to pick the Ducks this weekend as well.
Teagan Quitoriano/Bralen Taylor. These are the same story as Webb. If the Duck staff is giving two schollies at TE, this could come down to whichever two tight ends make the announcement first. Both of these tight ends are exceptional athletes with great length who could be good stretch receivers early on, but could also develop into solid players similar to Jake Breeland. I think if one tight end pulls the trigger, you might see one of the other two make the decision very soon thereafter.
Who are some others I think could end up as Ducks, but likely will not pull the trigger this weekend?
Stephan Blaylock. People close to Blaylock have told me that they think he is going to be a Duck. His mom's approval was all that remained. But I don't think it happens this weekend. I am speaking with him tomorrow night and will get a feel for whether that might happen or not.
Tommy Brown. He is a former team mate of Austin Faoliu and has really loved everything he has heard so far. The only thing that might stand int eh way of Brown to Oregon is an Alabama offer. And it is that offer that makes me think he is not ready to make his decision.
2019 Prospects:
Patrick Herbert and Michael Johnson, Jr. I think they will be Ducks. They could commit this weekend, but I think Taggart and staff want to keep the 'juice' within the 2018 class this weekend. But I still think these players both wind up at Oregon.
