This week I thought rather than a formal story, we would put Wednesday Whispers as a premium board content. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, it allows me to speak in first person rather than third. And secondly, it allows me to be a bit more speculative in nature rather than attempting to double source everything I might mention.
What’s up with running backs this week? First, I can verify that CJ Verdell has been contacted by coach Taggart and is still firmly committed. Verdell is a super talented running back and Coach Taggart recognizes this. But Taggart also knows the critical nature of depth. So we should fully expect Taggart to make a run at some players.
Why the cryptic thoughts on Najee Harris? When I commented on Stephen Carr’s tweet, I had not yet spoken to any sources, only relaying what limited information I could glean in a short time frame. Since then I have contacted multiple USC sources who have gone silent. I am told that Carr does not want to play with Najee Harris – and that it has nothing to do with competition.
Why does that matter? Alabama sources are indicating that Najee is still saying all the right things to Alabama and Nick Saban; but he is talking to others. It is that talk that makes them think that there is a small chance Harris signs somewhere other than Alabama.
So where does that leave Oregon and Carr’s tweet? Some at USC say that it was really just Carr tweeting out excitement over an offer and nothing more than that. Will he flip? Probably not without Harris also flipping. Even then, my sources say the school Harris is speaking with most (outside of Alabama) is Michigan; which will have no impact on Carr. One source did tell me that it is believed Carr will take a visit in January.
Playing with the big boys, sometimes means you don’t have all of the answers early; there is the inevitable wait on last minute changes. One such change could come, again, from the Sunshine state of Florida. When Cam Akers committed to Florida State today, four-star running back Khalan Laborn did exactly what you’d expect – he retweeted Akers’ post about recruiting. Nonetheless, he has been talking to Oregon quietly for some time probably knowing that this was coming down. Will he flip to Oregon? No way to know, but he is definitely a new name to watch during the next 30 or so days of recruiting. Never say never, right?
What this says, though, is that there is no complacency on the part of Willie Taggart. Just because a player is ‘locked’ into another school, Taggart will not quit until the player either signs a NLI or enrolls at another institution. When you take big swings, you sometimes flail badly. But you cannot hit a homerun with the bat sitting on your shoulder. How did Chip Kelly steal De’Anthony Thomas? He believed it was possible and took a swing.
Don’t be surprised to see Taggart work on Darrian Felix some more if all of those other options fall through. He was already high on the Ducks following his visit and is definitely on the radar of Taggart as a potential addition to this class – especially given his penchant for multiple running backs who can all carry the ball 10 plus times per game.
Coaches?
I could speculate all day, but the time for speculation is close to an end. Soon enough the speculation will end. There are conflicting reports, though, coming to me regarding Shaun King. Early on I was told he would definitely be coming, but then was later told that it was up in the air; that he and Taggart had a bit of a ‘blow-up’ in November. At this point, though, all signs point to King joining Taggart, but don’t be surprised if Taggart has someone else in mind for this position.
I know he took a swing at Corey Raymond for DB coach early, but it was more of a flail. I still have not been able to get a sense from Colorado folks if Charles Clark was coming with Leavitt, but it seems less likely right now. Colorado is using a co-DC setup for their bowl game and, if it works, that might be a method to keep a good staff together, It is also worth mentioning that Clark is not particularly tied to Leavitt having followed Mike MacIntyre to Boulder from San Jose.
I think it is the rest of the positions which will be intriguing. Most of Taggart’s staff is expected to join him in Eugene, but I think that there is still likely to be a surprise coming along. Where? It could be just about anywhere. But Taggart has shown a knack for giving Duck fans unexpected gifts it seems weekly.
What else can we expect recruiting wise?
The next month is going to be a fascinating time for Duck fans, First, lose the quaint thought that everyone who signs will qualify academically. If you want offers to all of those that got overlooked by the previous staff, there are bound to be some academic casualties. Cases in point, potentially, involve two recent recruits we interviewed. Jeff Thomas is a Rivals 100 player without a top 100 offer list? Why? There is a lot of belief that he will struggle to meet the academic requirements. He may very well give a quack, and he could even qualify and arrive on time and be a major impact player; but it is just as likely that he quacks and then heads off to a JUCO program somewhere
Another case in point? Mik’Quan Deane. He is a very strong Oregon lean, but he may not be able to make it academically. He has all of the tools to be a help next season should he qualify, but could find that process more difficult.
There are several names on the radar who I think end up as Ducks when all is said and done; Bruce Judson is not a lock – yet. Charlie Strong is working very hard to keep Judson close to home. All of those things that fans love about Taggart; Strong has. All of those things that make his mother Tammy love Taggart, will make her love Strong as well.
Demetri Burch is set to make a decision after his visit to Oregon. Though listed as a solid USF commit, he is anything but. Again, doesn’t mean he will end up a Duck, but he is absolutely looking at making the cross-country journey to join Taggart on a new venture.
A final thought; this recruiting work has not yet reached a synergistic level; it is really just some magical two man momentum. Willie Taggart and Jim Leavitt have been working around the clock and stopping at nothing to revamp the Oregon offense and defense. Where was Taggart when Jordon Scott committed? He was on vacation in Tampa with his family – and he was working the phones looking to build the program.
