Oregon Ducks: Keanon Lowe
In-state LB Alfieri covets Oregon offer 
May, 6, 2013
May 6
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
The state of Oregon has never been a premier destination for college football recruiters, but the state has seen an uptick in BCS-level talent in recent years. Likely the state's top all-around player, linebacker Joey Alfieri (Portland, Ore./Jesuit) is helping to carry the torch for the state in the Class of 2014.
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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.
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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.
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Oregon recruiting: Tight ends to watch
February, 21, 2013
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
With a roster loaded with young, talented tight ends and the addition of 2013 signee John Mundt (Modesto, Calif./Central Catholic), the Ducks don't have a lot of room at the tight end position. What they do have is a strong history of success at tight end and that places them among the premier destinations for the nation's best.
The Ducks will take one, maybe two tight ends in the Class of 2014. The West is loaded with elite prospects and Oregon will have a lot of competition if they hope to sign any of the best tight ends in the region.
The Ducks will take one, maybe two tight ends in the Class of 2014. The West is loaded with elite prospects and Oregon will have a lot of competition if they hope to sign any of the best tight ends in the region.
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Recruits evoke memories of former Ducks
February, 13, 2013
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
With the 19 players signed last week, Oregon landed some players who might remind their fans of former Ducks.
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Oregon keeping tabs on in-state talent
February, 12, 2013
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By Brandon Oliver | ESPN.com
Under Chip Kelly, the Oregon Ducks made it a priority to lock up the top in-state players as early as possible. Among the nation's top programs, the Ducks have perhaps the thinnest crop of in-state talent every year, but in recent years the talent level has improved slightly. The Ducks have been able to keep most of the few top recruits inside of the border in the past couple of years. The Class of 2014 doesn't have any players the caliber of Thomas Tyner or Evan Voeller, but there are a few locals who could earn an Oregon offer:
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Ducks make habit of closing strong
January, 14, 2013
Jan 14
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
For those Oregon fans who worry about how many commitments the Ducks have at this point in the recruiting cycle, all they need to do is take a look back over the past decade or so, starting with the 2002 recruiting class, when the Ducks landed some guy named Haloti Ngata on signing day.
With a handful of spots to fill in the class of 2013, DuckNation decided to take a look back at who the Ducks have added in the final weeks of the recruiting cycle in each year since 2003.
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What Oregon could have looked like
October, 25, 2012
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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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Ducks WR coach making an impact
October, 18, 2012
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Like everything else with Oregon football, the role of the wide receiver in unique in the Ducks' scheme. The Ducks expect their receivers to block as much, if not more, than running routes and making plays in the passing game.
The receiver position has been cyclical over the past decade, with smaller receivers like Keenan Howry and Samie Parker to begin the decade and bigger receivers such as Jaison Williams and Cameron Colvin at the end of the Mike Bellotti era.
With Chip Kelly about to take over the program, the Ducks fired former wide receivers' coach Robin Pflugrad and went in search of a young, up-and-coming coach to take over the responsibilities of teaching the team-first mentality that Kelly demands from his players.
The receiver position has been cyclical over the past decade, with smaller receivers like Keenan Howry and Samie Parker to begin the decade and bigger receivers such as Jaison Williams and Cameron Colvin at the end of the Mike Bellotti era.
With Chip Kelly about to take over the program, the Ducks fired former wide receivers' coach Robin Pflugrad and went in search of a young, up-and-coming coach to take over the responsibilities of teaching the team-first mentality that Kelly demands from his players.
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Ducks commit Brenner does it all
October, 17, 2012
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Recruiting is a funny thing. A high-level recruit can be the best player in his state's premier program, and yet the state that he hails from often determines the perception of what he is capable of.
That is the story with Oregon Ducks commit Doug Brenner (Portland, Ore./Jesuit). Brenner is the glue of the state's top program. He is the strongest player ever in the weight room at a school that has produced more Division-I athletes than any other school in the state.
Jesuit has produced a number of elite players through the years, including current Ducks wide receiver and former US Army All-American Keanon Lowe and Mike Haas, a former Oregon State star and Biletnekoff Award winner. Brenner's current teammate and offensive line sidekick, Andrew Kirkland, is committed to Washington.
That is the story with Oregon Ducks commit Doug Brenner (Portland, Ore./Jesuit). Brenner is the glue of the state's top program. He is the strongest player ever in the weight room at a school that has produced more Division-I athletes than any other school in the state.
Jesuit has produced a number of elite players through the years, including current Ducks wide receiver and former US Army All-American Keanon Lowe and Mike Haas, a former Oregon State star and Biletnekoff Award winner. Brenner's current teammate and offensive line sidekick, Andrew Kirkland, is committed to Washington.
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Instant analysis: Oregon 52, Washington 21
October, 6, 2012
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By
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 keeping local talent home
August, 30, 2012
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
There are many differences between the Oregon Ducks current approach under Chip Kelly when compared to former head coach Mike Bellotti. Many of them are glaring, but the one that goes largely unnoticed is the fact that Kelly is keeping the emerging local talent home.
Kelly and the Ducks have benefited from a rise in high school All-Americans from with the Oregon borders, but keeping that talent in state hasn't always been easy for the Ducks.
Needless to say, Oregon is far removed from football-dominated states such as Georgia, Texas, California, Ohio and Florida.
Kelly and the Ducks have benefited from a rise in high school All-Americans from with the Oregon borders, but keeping that talent in state hasn't always been easy for the Ducks.
Needless to say, Oregon is far removed from football-dominated states such as Georgia, Texas, California, Ohio and Florida.
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Ducks lose WR Tacoi Sumler to transfer
August, 10, 2012
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Receiver Tacoi Sumler, a member of the 2011 ESPN 150, has left the Oregon football program after just one season.
No reasons have been given in regard to the precipitating events in his decision. It is not unreasonable to assume, however, that playing time played a role.
Oregon offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich recently spoke about his young wide receiving corps and mentioned that Sumler was behind fellow redshirt freshmen B.J. Kelley and Devon Blackmon in terms of development.
With Josh Huff and Rahsaan Vaughn looking like two sure starters, the Ducks have one starting spot remaining. Kelley and Blackmon are joined in the battle for the third spot by Eric Dungy, Daryle Hawkins, Blake Stanton, Keanon Lowe and Will Murphy as returning players.
Add three freshman with Bralon Addison, Dwayne Stanford and Chance Allen, and it's a fairly crowded group.
At 5-foot-8, 177-pounds, Sumler was at a disadvantage in the Oregon offense, which relies heavily on downfield blocking by the wide receivers.
The No. 62 overall prospect in the 2011 ESPN 150 signed with Oregon out of Miami (Fla.), another major coup for the Ducks in their national recruiting efforts. Like Lache Seastrunk and others before him, Sumler left the program without ever stepping on the field in an Oregon uniform.
His departure thins the Ducks' receiving unit even more, as they also lost senior wide receiver Justin Hoffman to a medical retirement last month.
No reasons have been given in regard to the precipitating events in his decision. It is not unreasonable to assume, however, that playing time played a role.
Oregon offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich recently spoke about his young wide receiving corps and mentioned that Sumler was behind fellow redshirt freshmen B.J. Kelley and Devon Blackmon in terms of development.
With Josh Huff and Rahsaan Vaughn looking like two sure starters, the Ducks have one starting spot remaining. Kelley and Blackmon are joined in the battle for the third spot by Eric Dungy, Daryle Hawkins, Blake Stanton, Keanon Lowe and Will Murphy as returning players.
Add three freshman with Bralon Addison, Dwayne Stanford and Chance Allen, and it's a fairly crowded group.
At 5-foot-8, 177-pounds, Sumler was at a disadvantage in the Oregon offense, which relies heavily on downfield blocking by the wide receivers.
The No. 62 overall prospect in the 2011 ESPN 150 signed with Oregon out of Miami (Fla.), another major coup for the Ducks in their national recruiting efforts. Like Lache Seastrunk and others before him, Sumler left the program without ever stepping on the field in an Oregon uniform.
His departure thins the Ducks' receiving unit even more, as they also lost senior wide receiver Justin Hoffman to a medical retirement last month.
A look back at the 2010 recruiting class
July, 24, 2012
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Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Oregon Ducks fans have been witness to one of the greatest rises in college football history over the past two decades. The Ducks have risen from cellar dwellers to one of the hottest names in all of college football. The facilities, the uniforms and the Nike connection have all played a big role in the Ducks' rise to the top of the Pac-12.
Along with the success and the increased exposure nationally, has come a major boost in recruiting elite athletes to come to Eugene. It isn't always the high school All-Americans that turn into college stars. Oregon has made a living finding "diamonds in the rough" that have helped build a powerhouse.
There have been some big names in the recruiting world who chose to play their college ball in Eugene, but how many of them have lived up to the hype?
Along with the success and the increased exposure nationally, has come a major boost in recruiting elite athletes to come to Eugene. It isn't always the high school All-Americans that turn into college stars. Oregon has made a living finding "diamonds in the rough" that have helped build a powerhouse.
There have been some big names in the recruiting world who chose to play their college ball in Eugene, but how many of them have lived up to the hype?
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While Oregon will never be confused with Texas, Florida, Georgia or California in terms of football talent, the talent pool has become deeper in recent years.
After a tough, in-state start under Chip Kelly, the Ducks have begun to keep the top recruits in state under the fourth-year head coach. Kelly came to Oregon with East Coast connections and swung for the fences in his first year as head man at Oregon. As things have moved forward, Kelly has made a point to lock up the top in-state talent before anything else.
Under Mike Bellotti, Oregon rarely signed the top in-state players. While there were elite players such as Troy Polomalu and Ndamukong Suh, you can't blame the former staff for ignoring the thin talent pool inside the state.
After a tough, in-state start under Chip Kelly, the Ducks have begun to keep the top recruits in state under the fourth-year head coach. Kelly came to Oregon with East Coast connections and swung for the fences in his first year as head man at Oregon. As things have moved forward, Kelly has made a point to lock up the top in-state talent before anything else.
Under Mike Bellotti, Oregon rarely signed the top in-state players. While there were elite players such as Troy Polomalu and Ndamukong Suh, you can't blame the former staff for ignoring the thin talent pool inside the state.
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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.