It has been an eventful week already for the Oregon Ducks, preceded by a solid performance in Saturday's spring game. The Ducks hosted several recruits on the weekend and made a strong impression on each of them. On Tuesday, the momentum kept up as the Ducks nabbed their third commitment for the Class of 2014.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Once the offer came in, QB Morgan Mahalak (Kentfield, Calif./Marin Catholic) didn't hesitate in making his decision.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Holding more than 40 offers, running back Joe Mixon (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) is arguably the most sought-after recruit in the West region. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound, four-star back is the top running back in the West and the No. 135 player in the country. His offer sheet has seemingly grown by the minute this spring, but he isn't in any hurry to narrow it down.
Despite tweeting out a list of 16 programs several weeks ago, Mixon said Sunday that he only did that to highlight the schools recruiting him the hardest, not anything to be taken as a group of finalists.
"I'm still talking to a lot of people," Mixon said. "The recruiting thing has been crazy the past couple of weeks. I've pretty much been taking it well. I talk to them before school, during lunch and after school. I'm not to the stressful part yet, but the hard part has been staying in contact with everybody."
Despite tweeting out a list of 16 programs several weeks ago, Mixon said Sunday that he only did that to highlight the schools recruiting him the hardest, not anything to be taken as a group of finalists.
"I'm still talking to a lot of people," Mixon said. "The recruiting thing has been crazy the past couple of weeks. I've pretty much been taking it well. I talk to them before school, during lunch and after school. I'm not to the stressful part yet, but the hard part has been staying in contact with everybody."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
With a casual 52 points and an impressive overall performance by the Oregon offense on Saturday, the Oregon Ducks showed that not much has changed in Eugene with Mark Helfrich as head coach.
Based on the reaction of some of the recruits in attendance, it appears to be more of the same on the recruiting side of things as well. While it wasn't a large group of recruits, the program made a huge impact on the kids that made it to campus. The Ducks hosted just one athlete who currently holds an Oregon offer, but five of the other recruits on hand are on the short list at their respective positions.
Based on the reaction of some of the recruits in attendance, it appears to be more of the same on the recruiting side of things as well. While it wasn't a large group of recruits, the program made a huge impact on the kids that made it to campus. The Ducks hosted just one athlete who currently holds an Oregon offer, but five of the other recruits on hand are on the short list at their respective positions.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
QB Mahalak attends Ducks' spring game 
April, 29, 2013
Apr 29
9:00
AM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
In the Ducks' 2011 recruiting class, Oregon fans were overjoyed when Florida quarterback Jarrard Randall committed to the Ducks. Few paid attention when two more quarterbacks committed a couple weeks later. Randall didn't qualify and, around a brief stint at LSU, he has bounced around junior college programs.
All that the other two quarterbacks have done is lead their respective programs to a pair of blowout wins in BCS games as redshirt freshman. One of them -- Johnny Manziel -- was the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. The other is well on his way to becoming one of the best in a long line of talented Oregon quarterbacks. As a skinny kid that didn't start until his senior high school season, not many Oregon fans so batted an eyelash when Marcus Mariota committed to the Ducks.
While having a quarterback come in with just one year of experience is not the ideal situation, certain players have enough talent to make it possible.
After a second unofficial visit to Eugene in the past two months, Morgan Mahalak (Kentfield, Calif./Marin Catholic) could become the next talented, but inexperienced quarterback to join the Oregon program.
"It was a great visit. I've already seen everything, but it was great to get up there again," Mahalak said. "I had the chance to sit down and talk to coach Helfrich and talk to the other coaches as well. The game speaks for itself. Nothing has changed and the offense was great all day with Marcus leading the way."
While the offense, the weather, the coaches and the atmosphere surrounding the game were all memorable moments for the Marin Catholic star, the family feel of the program and the family connections to the area have all helped push Oregon to the top of his wish list.
All that the other two quarterbacks have done is lead their respective programs to a pair of blowout wins in BCS games as redshirt freshman. One of them -- Johnny Manziel -- was the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. The other is well on his way to becoming one of the best in a long line of talented Oregon quarterbacks. As a skinny kid that didn't start until his senior high school season, not many Oregon fans so batted an eyelash when Marcus Mariota committed to the Ducks.
While having a quarterback come in with just one year of experience is not the ideal situation, certain players have enough talent to make it possible.
After a second unofficial visit to Eugene in the past two months, Morgan Mahalak (Kentfield, Calif./Marin Catholic) could become the next talented, but inexperienced quarterback to join the Oregon program.
"It was a great visit. I've already seen everything, but it was great to get up there again," Mahalak said. "I had the chance to sit down and talk to coach Helfrich and talk to the other coaches as well. The game speaks for itself. Nothing has changed and the offense was great all day with Marcus leading the way."
While the offense, the weather, the coaches and the atmosphere surrounding the game were all memorable moments for the Marin Catholic star, the family feel of the program and the family connections to the area have all helped push Oregon to the top of his wish list.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
The 2013 NFL draft was odd for the Pac-12.
The Conference of Quarterbacks saw two of its own tumble precipitously, USC's Matt Barkley to the first pick of the fourth round, and Arizona's Matt Scott to undrafted. Meanwhile, four of its five first-round picks were defensive players. And the offensive guy was a lineman.
Oregon was the top-dog, with five picks, including two in the first round and one in the second. USC, which once held that position on a near-annual basis, ended up with an underwhelming four -- same as UCLA -- the first being receiver Robert Woods in the second round, 41st overall.
Arizona and Arizona State, 2012 bowl game winners, were both shut out, while woeful Colorado produced two draft picks.
The conference as a whole supplied 28 draft picks, a number that ranked third among FBS conferences.
The SEC led the way with an extraordinary 63 draft picks. In fact, this article here does a nice job of quantifying how stunning the SEC's dominance was in the draft, not unlike how it has dominated the BCS.
The seven-team SEC East actually had more draft picks than any other conference with 32. That, in fact, is the number of SEC draft picks in the first three rounds.
Yeah... well. Heck. I don't even know what to say about that.
The ACC was No. 2 with 31. After the Pac-12, the Big 12 offered up 22 with 10 teams as the Big Ten did with 12. The Big East had 18.
Scott, who signed a free agent deal with Jacksonville, wasn't the only player who likely was surprised to not hear his name called. Stanford outside linebacker Chase Thomas, two times a first-team All-Pac-12 performer, went undrafted and signed a free agent deal with New Orleans.
Other free agent signings of note:
Here's how things unfolded for the conference in the draft, round-by-round:
The Conference of Quarterbacks saw two of its own tumble precipitously, USC's Matt Barkley to the first pick of the fourth round, and Arizona's Matt Scott to undrafted. Meanwhile, four of its five first-round picks were defensive players. And the offensive guy was a lineman.
Oregon was the top-dog, with five picks, including two in the first round and one in the second. USC, which once held that position on a near-annual basis, ended up with an underwhelming four -- same as UCLA -- the first being receiver Robert Woods in the second round, 41st overall.
Arizona and Arizona State, 2012 bowl game winners, were both shut out, while woeful Colorado produced two draft picks.
The conference as a whole supplied 28 draft picks, a number that ranked third among FBS conferences.
The SEC led the way with an extraordinary 63 draft picks. In fact, this article here does a nice job of quantifying how stunning the SEC's dominance was in the draft, not unlike how it has dominated the BCS.
The seven-team SEC East actually had more draft picks than any other conference with 32. That, in fact, is the number of SEC draft picks in the first three rounds.
Yeah... well. Heck. I don't even know what to say about that.
The ACC was No. 2 with 31. After the Pac-12, the Big 12 offered up 22 with 10 teams as the Big Ten did with 12. The Big East had 18.
Scott, who signed a free agent deal with Jacksonville, wasn't the only player who likely was surprised to not hear his name called. Stanford outside linebacker Chase Thomas, two times a first-team All-Pac-12 performer, went undrafted and signed a free agent deal with New Orleans.
Other free agent signings of note:
- Washington State QB Jeff Tuel: Buffalo Bills
- UCLA TE Joseph Fauria: Detroit Lions
- California RB C.J. Anderson: Denver Broncos
- Utah CB Ryan Lacy: New Orleans Saints
- Arizona State LB Brandon McGee: Dallas Cowboys
- USC CB Nickell Robey: Buffalo Bills
- California DE Aaron Tipoti: Buffalo Bills
- USC S Jawanza Starling: Houston Texans
- Utah P Sean Sellwood: Atlanta Falcons
- Utah C Tevita Stevens: Washington Redskins
- Colorado LB Doug Rippy: Denver Broncos
- UCLA CB Aaron Hester: Denver Broncos
- Stanford CB Terrence Brown: Cincinnati Bengals
- Colorado S Ray Polk: Seattle Seahawks
- Oregon LB Michael Clay: Miami Dolphins
- Oregon DT Isaac Remington: Philadelphia Eagles
Obviously, a lot more will be added. I'm sure many of you are going, "Hey, what about... "
Here's how things unfolded for the conference in the draft, round-by-round:
First Round: 3. Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon: Miami; 14. Star Lotulelei, NT, Utah: Carolina; 20. Kyle Long, OG, Oregon: Chicago; 22. Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington: Atlanta; 26. Datone Jones, DE, UCLA: Green Bay.
Second Round: 35. Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford: Philadelphia; 41. Robert Woods, WR, USC: Buffalo; 46. Kiko Alonso, LB, Oregon: Buffalo.
Third round: 71. T.J. McDonald, USC, S: St. Louis; 76. Keenan Allen, WR, California: San Diego; 79. Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State: Pittsburgh.
Fourth round: 98. Matt Barkley, QB, USC: Philadelphia; 107. Brian Schwenke, OL, California: Tennessee; 109. David Bakhtiari, OT, Colorado: Green Bay; 121. Khaled Holmes, OL, USC: Indianapolis; 125. Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA: Green Bay; 133. Levine Toilolo, TE, Stanford: Atlanta.
Fifth round: 140. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford: Arizona; 145. Steve Williams, CB, California: San Diego; 155. Jeff Locke, P, UCLA: Minnesota.
Sixth round: 172. Nick Kasa, TE, Colorado: Oakland; 182. Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon: Carolina. 192. John Boyett, S, Oregon: Indianapolis; 196. Jeff Baca, OL, UCLA: Minnesota.
Seventh round: 212. Joe Kruger, DL, Utah: Philadelphia. 218. Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State: Philadelphia. 236. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State: Chicago. 247. Marc Anthony, CB, California: Baltimore.
Video: Pac-12 spring visits, big decommit
April, 26, 2013
Apr 26
9:57
AM PT
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
In this week's edition of the Pac-12 Official Visit segment, West regional recruiting coordinator Erik McKinney joins Phil Murphy to discuss the latest decommitment for USC and a host of spring game visitors for UCLA, Oregon, and Washington.
With the NFL draft under way, the spring game on Saturday, a recent commitment and a couple of unofficial visitors, there is plenty to discuss around the Oregon football program. Some of the best questions regarding the most common subjects:
Julie C. (Chandler, Ariz.): With Dion Jordan going so high in the NFL draft (No. 3 to Miami Dolphins), do you feel like that might have some sort of effect on the Ducks' recruiting efforts in the Class of 2014? It seems like the publicity it provides could be the kind of thing that coaches can rely on as an additional recruiting pitch.
Julie C. (Chandler, Ariz.): With Dion Jordan going so high in the NFL draft (No. 3 to Miami Dolphins), do you feel like that might have some sort of effect on the Ducks' recruiting efforts in the Class of 2014? It seems like the publicity it provides could be the kind of thing that coaches can rely on as an additional recruiting pitch.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Local DE rising, but still waiting on Ducks
April, 25, 2013
Apr 25
9:00
AM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Alabama has offered two Southern California offensive-line prospects who are ranked in the ESPN 150, but much to the dismay of Oregon fans and other recruits, neither holds an offer from the Ducks. In the Class of 2013, both Alabama and LSU had offered No. 10 overall prospect Eddie Vanderdoes by the time Oregon -- his longtime favorite -- came through with an offer.
Closer to home, a couple of SEC schools -- as well multiple Pac-12 schools -- have gotten a head start on Oregon on yet another fast-rising 2014 defensive lineman.
Closer to home, a couple of SEC schools -- as well multiple Pac-12 schools -- have gotten a head start on Oregon on yet another fast-rising 2014 defensive lineman.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Georgia Tech assistant Andy McCollum was at Brooks County on Wednesday to check on ESPN 150 athlete Malkom Parrish (Quitman, Ga./Brooks County).
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
After being committed to Clemson since signing day 2012, ESPN 150 quarterback Deshaun Watson (Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville) has made a change in his recruitment.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Former Oregon RB Kenjon Barner talks about his career at Oregon, what it's like to play for Chip Kelly, how he anticipates Kelly's system will translate to the NFL and his preparations for the NFL draft. Listen here 
Californian emerges as UO's top QB target
April, 24, 2013
Apr 24
9:07
AM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
The first spring practice under new head coach Mark Helfrich is winding down for the Oregon Ducks. On Saturday, the Ducks will hold their annual spring game, and a number of high school athletes are expected to be on hand for the event.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
SAN ANTONIO -- You knew about Tony Brown, Jamal Adams and Ed Paris. Those three have been talked up, written about and recruited for more than a year.
But admit it: You know decidedly less about Arrion Springs, the San Antonio Roosevelt corner who’s suddenly one of the state’s hottest recruits.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Recruits following Ducks' NCAA issues
April, 23, 2013
Apr 23
8:00
AM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
With the recent announcement from the NCAA that the University of Oregon had agreed to the fact that major violations had taken place during the Chip Kelly era, many questions arose regarding the future of the Oregon program. Fans, rivals and recruits all have questions and comments on what it might mean.
For fans, it creates a sense of uncertainty. And the ruling on Oregon's indiscretions could play a major role in the future of a handful of the Ducks' recruits.
For fans, it creates a sense of uncertainty. And the ruling on Oregon's indiscretions could play a major role in the future of a handful of the Ducks' recruits.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ABOUT DUCK NATION
Brandon Oliver
Brandon Oliver joined ESPN in 2012. In recent years, Oliver has been involved in the Nike Football Tour with both ESPNHS and Nike. He has covered West Coast recruiting for various online outlets since 2008, with an emphasis on Oregon football. Email him at boliverespn@gmail.com.