Oregon Ducks: Colt Lyerla
The Oregon coaches have been active on the recruiting trail since the end of spring practice. They have stopped to see dozens of prospects and have issued a few new offers.
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Ducks must reload as talent comes, goes 
March, 3, 2013
Mar 3
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
The Oregon Ducks will enter the 2013 season having lost a possible top-five pick to the NFL draft, the No. 2 rusher in the Ducks' history and two all-league linebackers. The loss of Dion Jordan, Kenjon Barner, Kiko Alonso and Michael Clay will hurt, but potential losses after the 2013 season could sting a lot more.
The 2013 recruiting class was solid, but not spectacular. Next year, the potential of losing De'Anthony Thomas, Marcus Mariota, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Terrance Mitchell, Hroniss Grasu and Colt Lyerla early to the NFL would be a huge blow to the Ducks as they try and continue their run of BCS appearances. The Ducks will definitely lose three impact players on the defensive line, two safeties, a linebacker and star wide receiver Josh Huff to graduation.
With heavy losses ahead, the Ducks must land a strong recruiting class in 2014. There are negatives to having a roster loaded with NFL talent, and the Ducks are about to learn that the hard way.
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Questions about the Ducks' 2014 targets are starting to pour in.
Shaun A. (San Francisco): Who do you think will be the Ducks' first commit in the 2014 class? Are there any in-state kids worth an early offer that would accept and become the first commit in the class?
DuckNation: There are a couple worthy of an early offer and Mark Helfrich will likely continue the Ducks' recent trend of locking up the top in-state recruits. DE Connor Humphreys (Portland, Ore./Central Catholic) and OLB Joey Alfieri (Portland, Ore./Jesuit) will both have a lot of early interest and Oregon will likely have offers to both by the time the summer rolls around.
Shaun A. (San Francisco): Who do you think will be the Ducks' first commit in the 2014 class? Are there any in-state kids worth an early offer that would accept and become the first commit in the class?
DuckNation: There are a couple worthy of an early offer and Mark Helfrich will likely continue the Ducks' recent trend of locking up the top in-state recruits. DE Connor Humphreys (Portland, Ore./Central Catholic) and OLB Joey Alfieri (Portland, Ore./Jesuit) will both have a lot of early interest and Oregon will likely have offers to both by the time the summer rolls around.
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Ducks lose WR Blackmon to transfer
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
In Oregon's 2011 recruiting class, the most prized recruits were athletes De'Anthony Thomas and Colt Lyerla, but Under Armour All-American Devon Blackmon helped the Ducks land the best group recruits deemed "athletes" in the country. Blackmon was the No. 23 player -- and No. 2 ATH -- in the ESPN 150 for the Class of 2011. Nearing the end of his redshirt freshman season, the University of Oregon released a statement today confirming that the Ducks' wide receiver will transfer out of the program.
“He has been a solid contributor to this football program for the last two seasons and I wish him continued success whatever he decides to pursue,” Oregon head coach Chip Kelly said in a university press release.
Blackmon has received limited playing time in Eugene, only earning playing time in the Ducks' early-season blowout victories over Arkansas state and Tennessee Tech. In his two appearances, the 6-foot, 185-pounder failed to compile any stats.
The Ducks' recruiting Class of 2011 was highly regarded, due in large part to the strength of their four wide receiver signees. To date, the entire group of wide receivers has been mostly ineffective early in their careers. Blackmon joins fellow 2011 Under Armour All-American -- and ESPN 150 member -- Tacoi Sumler as the second member of the touted wide receiver group to transfer from the program. Sumler transferred to FCS Appalachian State in August. Blackmon has given no indication on where he might wind up. Coming out of high school in Fontana, Calif., Blackmon chose the Ducks over other finalists USC and UCLA.
The other two members of the wide receiver group in the Ducks' Class of 2011 were elite junior-college wide receiver Rahsaan Vaughn and four-star B.J. Kelley. Vaughn played a sizable role in 2011 and was expected to be a starter entering 2012. So far this season, Vaughn -- now a senior -- has seen limited playing time. Kelley joined Sumler and Blackmon as a redshirt in 2011. So far this season, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Kelley has been on the field on special teams and during mop up duty as a wide receiver.
“He has been a solid contributor to this football program for the last two seasons and I wish him continued success whatever he decides to pursue,” Oregon head coach Chip Kelly said in a university press release.
Blackmon has received limited playing time in Eugene, only earning playing time in the Ducks' early-season blowout victories over Arkansas state and Tennessee Tech. In his two appearances, the 6-foot, 185-pounder failed to compile any stats.
The Ducks' recruiting Class of 2011 was highly regarded, due in large part to the strength of their four wide receiver signees. To date, the entire group of wide receivers has been mostly ineffective early in their careers. Blackmon joins fellow 2011 Under Armour All-American -- and ESPN 150 member -- Tacoi Sumler as the second member of the touted wide receiver group to transfer from the program. Sumler transferred to FCS Appalachian State in August. Blackmon has given no indication on where he might wind up. Coming out of high school in Fontana, Calif., Blackmon chose the Ducks over other finalists USC and UCLA.
The other two members of the wide receiver group in the Ducks' Class of 2011 were elite junior-college wide receiver Rahsaan Vaughn and four-star B.J. Kelley. Vaughn played a sizable role in 2011 and was expected to be a starter entering 2012. So far this season, Vaughn -- now a senior -- has seen limited playing time. Kelley joined Sumler and Blackmon as a redshirt in 2011. So far this season, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Kelley has been on the field on special teams and during mop up duty as a wide receiver.
Oregon and Cal recruiting battles 2008-12
November, 7, 2012
11/07/12
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
After the Ducks program began to take off in the mid-1990s, California hired former Ducks' offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford in 2002. As the Ducks' upward climb reached a standstill, Cal stepped up and looked like it might be the next in line to challenge USC.
The Golden Bears did win four of five games with the Ducks between 2004 and 2008, including a game for the ages in 2007. After they walked out of Autzen Stadium with a 31-24 win over the No. 5 Ducks, things began to change between the two schools. Cal did win the following season in Berkeley, as the Ducks fumbled gave away a game they dominated. Starting in the class of 2008, the Bears responded by going on an unprecedented run of recruiting success. The Ducks began to dominate the series on the field with a 42-3 win over the Bears in 2009. Despite the dominant performance over the then-No. 6 Bears, Cal beat the Ducks head-to-head for a number of elite recruits from 2008 to 2012.
Whether it was location, academics, Cal's plans for facilities upgrades -- which are now complete -- or former Cal assistant -- and current Washington assistant -- Tosh Lupoi, the Bears won the majority of the recruiting battles between the two schools. Similar to the recent history with USC, the Ducks don't care about recruiting rankings as much as they do the on-field results.
The Golden Bears did win four of five games with the Ducks between 2004 and 2008, including a game for the ages in 2007. After they walked out of Autzen Stadium with a 31-24 win over the No. 5 Ducks, things began to change between the two schools. Cal did win the following season in Berkeley, as the Ducks fumbled gave away a game they dominated. Starting in the class of 2008, the Bears responded by going on an unprecedented run of recruiting success. The Ducks began to dominate the series on the field with a 42-3 win over the Bears in 2009. Despite the dominant performance over the then-No. 6 Bears, Cal beat the Ducks head-to-head for a number of elite recruits from 2008 to 2012.
Whether it was location, academics, Cal's plans for facilities upgrades -- which are now complete -- or former Cal assistant -- and current Washington assistant -- Tosh Lupoi, the Bears won the majority of the recruiting battles between the two schools. Similar to the recent history with USC, the Ducks don't care about recruiting rankings as much as they do the on-field results.
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Will Ducks raid the Trojans' class again?
November, 2, 2012
11/02/12
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
The Oregon Ducks haven't won many direct recruiting battles with the USC Trojans over the years, but they are making strides. Oddly enough, there aren't too many examples over the past few years that had the two West Coast power programs going toe-to-toe. The fact of the matter is, the Trojans usually have who they want locked up early on, especially during the probation period that limits them to 15 scholarships per year.
In the past few recruiting cycles, the Ducks have signed plenty of recruits that USC had extended offers to. Cliff Harris, Andre Yruretagoyena, Tyler Johnstone, Devon Blackmon, Colt Lyerla, De'Anthony Thomas, Byron Marshall and Arik Armstead are some of the big names the Ducks were able to sign in spite of the Trojans' efforts.
On the flip side, the Trojans have beaten the Ducks for dozens of prospects in recent years. There are too many to list, but a couple of the biggest names on the list are current Trojans -- and former top targets of the Ducks -- George Uko and Marqise Lee.
In the past few recruiting cycles, the Ducks have signed plenty of recruits that USC had extended offers to. Cliff Harris, Andre Yruretagoyena, Tyler Johnstone, Devon Blackmon, Colt Lyerla, De'Anthony Thomas, Byron Marshall and Arik Armstead are some of the big names the Ducks were able to sign in spite of the Trojans' efforts.
On the flip side, the Trojans have beaten the Ducks for dozens of prospects in recent years. There are too many to list, but a couple of the biggest names on the list are current Trojans -- and former top targets of the Ducks -- George Uko and Marqise Lee.
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Can Oregon catch USC in recruiting?
November, 1, 2012
11/01/12
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Since 2000, the Pac-12 has been all Oregon and USC. Other schools have snuck in to share a conference crown, but only the Ducks and Trojans have won the title outright.
For most of the decade, the Trojans were the team to beat. Since Chip Kelly took over the Oregon head coaching job in 2009, the Ducks have been nearly unstoppable. The Ducks won the head-to-head battles on the field with USC in 2007, 2009 and 2010. USC topped the Ducks in 2008 and 2011.
The Ducks have begun to take over as the best program in the conference under Kelly's leadership. Passing USC on the field is one thing. Doing the same in recruiting, where USC has maintained its dominance in the face of NCAA sanctions, is a lot harder.
For most of the decade, the Trojans were the team to beat. Since Chip Kelly took over the Oregon head coaching job in 2009, the Ducks have been nearly unstoppable. The Ducks won the head-to-head battles on the field with USC in 2007, 2009 and 2010. USC topped the Ducks in 2008 and 2011.
The Ducks have begun to take over as the best program in the conference under Kelly's leadership. Passing USC on the field is one thing. Doing the same in recruiting, where USC has maintained its dominance in the face of NCAA sanctions, is a lot harder.
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Oregon, USC battling off field, too
October, 31, 2012
10/31/12
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
With Oregon and USC being the only two teams to win outright Pac-10 or Pac-12 conference titles since 1999, it would seem likely the two have enjoyed the most recruiting success over the same period. If recruit class rankings are the way to judge them, USC is clearly the head of the class. If it's success on the field in comparison to a program's recruit class rankings, Oregon is among the best programs in the country at developing talent.
The Trojans will almost assuredly have the most talent on paper every year due to their tradition, success and -- perhaps most important -- their location. USC can usually name who it wants in each recruiting class, especially in Southern California. The Ducks, meanwhile, have little-to-no recruiting base and have built their program on finding so-called diamonds in the rough. Oregon has stepped its game up on the recruiting trail in recent years but still sits behind the Trojans and others in terms of recruiting prowess.
Recruit rankings are not an exact science, and the only thing guaranteed with recruiting is that nothing is guaranteed. While the Ducks have taken on some heavyweights for blue-chip prospects in recent years, there have only been a few cases in which the Ducks actually beat the Trojans for a recruit's signature. The promising thing for Oregon fans is that in each of the past two years, the Ducks have swooped in and nabbed the state of California's top recruit -- each of whom were committed to USC for nearly a year -- right out from under the Trojans.
The Trojans will almost assuredly have the most talent on paper every year due to their tradition, success and -- perhaps most important -- their location. USC can usually name who it wants in each recruiting class, especially in Southern California. The Ducks, meanwhile, have little-to-no recruiting base and have built their program on finding so-called diamonds in the rough. Oregon has stepped its game up on the recruiting trail in recent years but still sits behind the Trojans and others in terms of recruiting prowess.
Recruit rankings are not an exact science, and the only thing guaranteed with recruiting is that nothing is guaranteed. While the Ducks have taken on some heavyweights for blue-chip prospects in recent years, there have only been a few cases in which the Ducks actually beat the Trojans for a recruit's signature. The promising thing for Oregon fans is that in each of the past two years, the Ducks have swooped in and nabbed the state of California's top recruit -- each of whom were committed to USC for nearly a year -- right out from under the Trojans.
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What Oregon could have looked like
October, 25, 2012
10/25/12
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Under Chip Kelly, the Oregon football program has risen to a level few ever thought it could reach. His coaching style and aggressive schemes have led the Ducks to become a powerhouse program. While they are still far from a recruiting powerhouse, the influx of elite talent is one of the biggest reasons for their recent success. On Kelly's watch, the Ducks have secured a number of top prospects, including one of the biggest recruiting coups ever when they flipped De'Anthony Thomas after a long commitment to USC. Thomas has been brilliant in his time with the Ducks. Even with the Ducks' new recruiting prowess, taking a local legend out from under the thumb of a school like USC is the exception more than the rule.
There have been a few notable misses and some heated recruiting battles in the Kelly era that could have made this season's Ducks -- one of the best teams in school history -- nearly unbeatable. With some members of the Class of 2008 still in college, we'll look at what the Ducks could have looked like had they landed a few more of their key recruits.
2008
There have been a few notable misses and some heated recruiting battles in the Kelly era that could have made this season's Ducks -- one of the best teams in school history -- nearly unbeatable. With some members of the Class of 2008 still in college, we'll look at what the Ducks could have looked like had they landed a few more of their key recruits.
2008
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It's that time again. The Ducks have a bye this week, so it's time to dig through the Oregon recruiting mailbag and see what's on your mind.
Ruben G. (Hillsboro, Ore.):
What is going on with the Ducks' defensive line recruiting? Haven't heard hardly any news about a position that has always been tough for them.
Ruben G. (Hillsboro, Ore.):
What is going on with the Ducks' defensive line recruiting? Haven't heard hardly any news about a position that has always been tough for them.
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Instant analysis: Oregon 52, Washington 21
October, 6, 2012
10/06/12
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Kevin Gemmell | ESPN.com
Make it nine in a row for the Oregon Ducks over the Washington Huskies. The Ducks jumped out to a 21-0 lead before pulling away for a 52-21 win. The Ducks have won all nine games by at least 17 points. Here's how it all went down at Autzen.
It was over when: In the first quarter, the Huskies had just made their second-consecutive stop on defense. But the Huskies muffed the ensuing punt and on the next play, De'Anthony Thomas darted for a 16-yard score. It seemed like all the life just got sucked out of Washington as the Ducks put up 21 in the first quarter.
Game ball goes to: Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. When he wasn't jumping out of sacks (that was sick athleticism), he was tossing four touchdowns on 15-of-24 passing. He did have one interception early, but bounced back to hit Colt Lyerla twice, Josh Huff and Keanon Lowe for scores.
Second game ball: Nick Aliotti. Oregon's defensive coordinator has this defense playing awfully good ball. The Ducks forced five turnovers and twice stopped the Huskies on fourth down. Most of Washington's 353 yards came in the second half when the game was out of reach.
Stat of the game: 3. Avery Patterson picked off Keith Price in the first quarter and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown. The Ducks have now had a pick-six in three straight games.
What it means for Oregon: For the Ducks, they hold serve -- and get some style points along the way -- as other top 10 teams behind them collapse. The number of undefeated teams is dwindling and Oregon is right where it needs to be. If anyone was still awake on the East Coast, they saw a dominating performance on both sides of the ball.
What it means for Washington: Much like their debacle at LSU, the Huskies will have to regroup with No. 13 USC coming to town next week. For as high as they were flying after last week's win over Stanford, this was another throttling by a top-5 team. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has to get the troops to shake this one off.
Ducks recruiting by state: Oregon
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
On the field, most elite football programs work to build their rosters from the inside out. The same can be said in recruiting. Put a fence around your state or region in order to sign all the local talent and build around those players.
Schools such as USC, Texas, Florida State, Miami and nearly every other school from the south all have the ability to fill half of their recruiting classes with players from within a few hours of campus. What makes the rise of the Oregon football program so unique is that the state of Oregon is in the lower third of all states in producing Division I talent.
The Ducks have never had the benefit of loading up on players who grew up waiting for the day they could sign their names on letters of intent bound for Oregon's football offices. The truth is, they never will. The Ducks have been able to adjust and piece together recruiting classes full of talent from around the country while adding in local stars any time they have the chance.
Schools such as USC, Texas, Florida State, Miami and nearly every other school from the south all have the ability to fill half of their recruiting classes with players from within a few hours of campus. What makes the rise of the Oregon football program so unique is that the state of Oregon is in the lower third of all states in producing Division I talent.
The Ducks have never had the benefit of loading up on players who grew up waiting for the day they could sign their names on letters of intent bound for Oregon's football offices. The truth is, they never will. The Ducks have been able to adjust and piece together recruiting classes full of talent from around the country while adding in local stars any time they have the chance.
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Watch List recruits high on the Ducks
September, 27, 2012
9/27/12
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
It has become customary for the Oregon Ducks to take their time in evaluating junior prospects, and it is much of the same with the class of 2014.
Another yearly occurrence is that a number of elite prospects from around the country that have their eyes on the Ducks early on. In typical Oregon fashion, the Ducks have yet to extend any offers for the class of 2014.
While they have no commits, the Ducks are listed among the early favorites for a large number of players in the 2014 ESPN Watch List.
Another yearly occurrence is that a number of elite prospects from around the country that have their eyes on the Ducks early on. In typical Oregon fashion, the Ducks have yet to extend any offers for the class of 2014.
While they have no commits, the Ducks are listed among the early favorites for a large number of players in the 2014 ESPN Watch List.
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Twins' versatility extends beyond field
September, 24, 2012
9/24/12
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Any time a program comes away with a four-star athlete that can play a number of different positions, it is a huge plus. When it doubles up by adding two practically identical prospects, it means even more.
That was the case Sunday for the Oregon Ducks when they were able to secure commitments from two of their top remaining targets.
Four-star twin brothers Tyrell Robinson and Tyree Robinson (San Diego, Calif./Lincoln) gave their commitment to Chip Kelly and the Oregon Ducks during their official visit this past weekend. There were a number of reasons the Robinson brothers decided to make the call for the Ducks before even visiting USC, Notre Dame and Washington, their other top schools.
That was the case Sunday for the Oregon Ducks when they were able to secure commitments from two of their top remaining targets.
Four-star twin brothers Tyrell Robinson and Tyree Robinson (San Diego, Calif./Lincoln) gave their commitment to Chip Kelly and the Oregon Ducks during their official visit this past weekend. There were a number of reasons the Robinson brothers decided to make the call for the Ducks before even visiting USC, Notre Dame and Washington, their other top schools.
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Ducks start fast, close out Fresno State
September, 8, 2012
9/08/12
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By
Kevin Gemmell | ESPN.com
A sensational day for running back Kenjon Barner paced Oregon, the No. 4 team in the country, to a 42-25 victory over visiting Fresno State.
In typical Oregon fashion, the Ducks (2-0) jumped out to a 35-6 halftime lead behind two of Barner’s three rushing touchdowns. He finished with 201 yards on the ground and touchdown runs of 3, 3 and 16 yards. Barner was the workhorse, carrying 34 times for an average of 5.9 yards per carry.
Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, making his second career start, played the whole game (unlike last week, when he was spelled after the Ducks took a 50-3 lead halfway through the second quarter against Arkansas State). Mariota completed 19 of 27 passes for 167 yards and one touchdown, a 22-yard score to tight end Colt Lyerla. Actually, it was a 4-yard pass, after which Lyerla muscled his way the rest of the distance to give Oregon a 21-3 lead.
The Ducks actually fell behind early (gasp!) when Fresno State drove 57 yards on 11 plays and took a 3-0 lead on a 39-yard field goal by Quentin Breshears.
But the Ducks went on a run of five touchdowns in their next seven possessions, including the two from Barner, the Lyerla reception and touchdown runs of 39 and 51 yards by De’Anthony Thomas. He finished with 102 yards on seven carries. Thomas also caught four balls for 26 yards.
The offense stalled in the second half after some nicks to the offensive line. The defense held the Bulldogs to just 2 of 16 on third-down conversions, though Fresno State (1-1) had 365 yards of offense.
Oregon totaled 532 yards of offense -- including 366 on the ground. However, the Ducks also fumbled three times.
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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.