Football Recruiting - West Region: Oregon Ducks
Bishard 'Budda' Baker picks up USC offer 
May, 15, 2013
May 15
10:36
AM ET
By
Blair Angulo | ESPN.com
ESPN 150 safety Bishard Baker (Bellevue, Wash./Bellevue) estimates it took about a month for a few generic pieces of USC mail to turn into a consistent stream of handwritten letters.
On Tuesday afternoon, the increase in contact culminated to a scholarship offer.
“They started sending me a whole bunch of handwritten letters, so I wanted to see what would happen,” Baker said. “It came slow, but then it picked up.”
On Tuesday afternoon, the increase in contact culminated to a scholarship offer.
“They started sending me a whole bunch of handwritten letters, so I wanted to see what would happen,” Baker said. “It came slow, but then it picked up.”
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Centennial spring showcase unveils stars
May, 13, 2013
May 13
6:08
PM ET
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Corona (Calif.) Centennial was the place to be for college coaches this past Thursday, as the Huskies went through their spring showcase event designed to give schools from every level a chance to evaluate the juniors and top underclassmen. More than 30 schools were represented, including coaches from Alabama, Oregon, Stanford, UCLA, USC and Washington.
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Inspired by Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign, our recruiting writers looked at other ways schools can sell themselves on the trail. Here's a look at recruiting pitches for the Pac-12:
Arizona Wildcats
What they're selling: Rich Rodriguez's offensive system worked wonders at West Virginia and introduced the nation to Denard Robinson at Michigan. In 2012, the explosive offense scored at least 34 points in 10 of the Wildcats' 13 games.
What they're missing: The Wildcats don't have the Territorial Cup, which went to Arizona State following a 41-34 victory last season. If Arizona is going to climb the Pac-12 ranks, it'll need to win at home and lock up local talent over the Sun Devils.
Arizona State Sun Devils
What they're selling: There's a new attitude at Arizona State, as Todd Graham took the Sun Devils from the most penalized team in the country to one of the least penalized in just one year. Installing that discipline and accountability has been a major selling point for recruits signing up to play with Graham.
What they're missing: The Sun Devils won their final three games of the season for the first time in more than three decades, but losses to UCLA and USC leave them looking up at the Pac-12 South leaders in the battle for national prominence.
California Golden Bears
What they're selling: One of the top public universities in the world, Cal will always be able to pitch its strong academics to recruiting. The new facilities and revamped California Memorial Stadium will help accentuate the package with a pretty bow.
What they're missing: Coach Sonny Dykes has recent Pac-12 experience, but his three years at Louisiana Tech took him completely out of the minds of West region recruits. In-state recruits, essential to Cal's recruiting success, are unfamiliar with what Dykes' systems look like in game action, although the Golden Bears will have a chance to make several statements this fall.
Colorado Buffaloes
What they're selling: The Buffaloes need playmakers at a multitude of position on both sides of the ball. Playing time and the ability to make an instant impact are certainly on the table for Colorado recruits.
What they're missing: Colorado was two points away from a winless season in 2012 and has very little on-field momentum heading into 2013. The Buffs have just four wins in two years in the Pac-12, and until that changes, it'll be difficult to win significant recruiting battles.
Oregon Ducks
What they're selling: The noisy uniforms and noisier Autzen Stadium provide the flash, but there is plenty of substance in the fast-paced offense the Ducks run. It's unlikely that will slow down under new coach Mark Helfrich.
What they're missing: Mostly obviously, they're missing Chip Kelly, which has left a slight cloud over how the program might change direction or continue unaltered under the new staff. But the possibility of looming NCAA sanctions means the Ducks can't sell completely smooth sailing to recruits in this class.
Oregon State Beavers
What they're selling: The Beavers can sell credibility, not just on the field, but with the coaching staff as well. Mike Riley and his staff have proven they can win in Corvallis and year after year, the Beavers' coach comes across as incredibly genuine to recruits.
What they're missing: In state, Oregon State is the decided underdog when it comes to flash and national appeal. The Beavers aren't often referred to as a "dream school" by recruits, so there is rarely a sure-fire commitment for coaches when they go out of state.
Stanford Cardinal
What they're selling: Arguably no school in the country has the combination of academics and athletics of Stanford. When you're recruiting student-athletes, that's a good place to start.
What they're missing: Despite the recent success, Stanford is never going to be able to put together the game-day atmosphere of some of its Pac-12 competition, including Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.
UCLA Bruins
What they're selling: Jim Mora's staff has Southern California buzzing about the new direction UCLA is headed. That's a good thing for the Bruins, who have climbed out of the shadow of USC.
What they're missing: The Bruins had a chance to completely pass USC, but dropped their final three games of the season. There is still a question about whether they've jumped the Trojans for good and until that is settled on the field this season, the Trojans will likely get the benefit of the doubt, regionally and nationally.
USC Trojans
What they're selling: No Pac-12 program can fall back on tradition like USC. And now with the John McKay Center, old school meets new school in a much-needed facility upgrade.
What they're missing: Rumblings about Lane Kiffin's job security began after a 10-point loss to UCLA, grew louder after a loss to Notre Dame and became deafening after a Sun Bowl loss to Georgia Tech. Despite athletic director Pat Haden throwing his full support behind the coach, recruits and their families are having difficulty believing Kiffin and his staff are there for the long haul.
Utah Utes
What they're selling: Offensively, there is plenty of intrigue as to how co-offensive coordinators Dennis Erickson and Brian Johnson direct the attack. Overall, there is still the memory of what Utah was able to accomplish as a BCS spoiler in 2008, and Kyle Whittingham hopes to spark some of that magic in the Pac-12.
What they're missing: In two years, the Utes are below .500 in the Pac-12 and missed out on a bowl game last season. At this point, it's still an uphill climb in terms of convincing recruits they can cause an upheaval in the conference standings.
Washington Huskies
What they're selling: It's tough to find a coaching staff with more energy on the field or recruiting trail, starting with head coach Steve Sarkisian and moving to every assistant coach on the staff. It's a young group that relates incredibly well to recruits.
What they're missing: The Huskies have yet to win eight games in Sarkisian's three years in Seattle, so hitting that number would be a big step toward proving there is some growing on-field momentum.
Washington State Cougars
What they're selling: Mike Leach is still one of the most interesting personalities in college football, and despite some stumbles in his first year at Washington State, recruits are still interested to see what the Cougars can do this fall in his second year.
What they're missing: The Cougars need wins and they need them now. Washington State hasn't posted a winning record since 2003 and when it comes to on-field performance, it simply can't compete with a majority of Pac-12 teams.
Arizona Wildcats
What they're selling: Rich Rodriguez's offensive system worked wonders at West Virginia and introduced the nation to Denard Robinson at Michigan. In 2012, the explosive offense scored at least 34 points in 10 of the Wildcats' 13 games.
What they're missing: The Wildcats don't have the Territorial Cup, which went to Arizona State following a 41-34 victory last season. If Arizona is going to climb the Pac-12 ranks, it'll need to win at home and lock up local talent over the Sun Devils.
Arizona State Sun Devils
What they're selling: There's a new attitude at Arizona State, as Todd Graham took the Sun Devils from the most penalized team in the country to one of the least penalized in just one year. Installing that discipline and accountability has been a major selling point for recruits signing up to play with Graham.
What they're missing: The Sun Devils won their final three games of the season for the first time in more than three decades, but losses to UCLA and USC leave them looking up at the Pac-12 South leaders in the battle for national prominence.
California Golden Bears
What they're selling: One of the top public universities in the world, Cal will always be able to pitch its strong academics to recruiting. The new facilities and revamped California Memorial Stadium will help accentuate the package with a pretty bow.
What they're missing: Coach Sonny Dykes has recent Pac-12 experience, but his three years at Louisiana Tech took him completely out of the minds of West region recruits. In-state recruits, essential to Cal's recruiting success, are unfamiliar with what Dykes' systems look like in game action, although the Golden Bears will have a chance to make several statements this fall.
Colorado Buffaloes
What they're selling: The Buffaloes need playmakers at a multitude of position on both sides of the ball. Playing time and the ability to make an instant impact are certainly on the table for Colorado recruits.
What they're missing: Colorado was two points away from a winless season in 2012 and has very little on-field momentum heading into 2013. The Buffs have just four wins in two years in the Pac-12, and until that changes, it'll be difficult to win significant recruiting battles.
Oregon Ducks
What they're selling: The noisy uniforms and noisier Autzen Stadium provide the flash, but there is plenty of substance in the fast-paced offense the Ducks run. It's unlikely that will slow down under new coach Mark Helfrich.
What they're missing: Mostly obviously, they're missing Chip Kelly, which has left a slight cloud over how the program might change direction or continue unaltered under the new staff. But the possibility of looming NCAA sanctions means the Ducks can't sell completely smooth sailing to recruits in this class.
Oregon State Beavers
What they're selling: The Beavers can sell credibility, not just on the field, but with the coaching staff as well. Mike Riley and his staff have proven they can win in Corvallis and year after year, the Beavers' coach comes across as incredibly genuine to recruits.
What they're missing: In state, Oregon State is the decided underdog when it comes to flash and national appeal. The Beavers aren't often referred to as a "dream school" by recruits, so there is rarely a sure-fire commitment for coaches when they go out of state.
Stanford Cardinal
What they're selling: Arguably no school in the country has the combination of academics and athletics of Stanford. When you're recruiting student-athletes, that's a good place to start.
What they're missing: Despite the recent success, Stanford is never going to be able to put together the game-day atmosphere of some of its Pac-12 competition, including Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.
UCLA Bruins
What they're selling: Jim Mora's staff has Southern California buzzing about the new direction UCLA is headed. That's a good thing for the Bruins, who have climbed out of the shadow of USC.
What they're missing: The Bruins had a chance to completely pass USC, but dropped their final three games of the season. There is still a question about whether they've jumped the Trojans for good and until that is settled on the field this season, the Trojans will likely get the benefit of the doubt, regionally and nationally.
USC Trojans
What they're selling: No Pac-12 program can fall back on tradition like USC. And now with the John McKay Center, old school meets new school in a much-needed facility upgrade.
What they're missing: Rumblings about Lane Kiffin's job security began after a 10-point loss to UCLA, grew louder after a loss to Notre Dame and became deafening after a Sun Bowl loss to Georgia Tech. Despite athletic director Pat Haden throwing his full support behind the coach, recruits and their families are having difficulty believing Kiffin and his staff are there for the long haul.
Utah Utes
What they're selling: Offensively, there is plenty of intrigue as to how co-offensive coordinators Dennis Erickson and Brian Johnson direct the attack. Overall, there is still the memory of what Utah was able to accomplish as a BCS spoiler in 2008, and Kyle Whittingham hopes to spark some of that magic in the Pac-12.
What they're missing: In two years, the Utes are below .500 in the Pac-12 and missed out on a bowl game last season. At this point, it's still an uphill climb in terms of convincing recruits they can cause an upheaval in the conference standings.
Washington Huskies
What they're selling: It's tough to find a coaching staff with more energy on the field or recruiting trail, starting with head coach Steve Sarkisian and moving to every assistant coach on the staff. It's a young group that relates incredibly well to recruits.
What they're missing: The Huskies have yet to win eight games in Sarkisian's three years in Seattle, so hitting that number would be a big step toward proving there is some growing on-field momentum.
Washington State Cougars
What they're selling: Mike Leach is still one of the most interesting personalities in college football, and despite some stumbles in his first year at Washington State, recruits are still interested to see what the Cougars can do this fall in his second year.
What they're missing: The Cougars need wins and they need them now. Washington State hasn't posted a winning record since 2003 and when it comes to on-field performance, it simply can't compete with a majority of Pac-12 teams.
Whether it is because of his early commitment to Arizona State, his more high-profile teammates boasting offers from the likes of Alabama and USC or his small frame, athlete Jaleel Wadood (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco) has spent much of the spring under the radar.
After an early commitment to the Sun Devils -- where his brother Rashad is a defensive back -- the younger Wadood has received increased interest from programs throughout the West. Oregon is one of those programs and the Ducks were a childhood favorite of the versatile Wadood. In fact, Wadood is the only one of the Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco stars to hold an offer from the Ducks.
After an early commitment to the Sun Devils -- where his brother Rashad is a defensive back -- the younger Wadood has received increased interest from programs throughout the West. Oregon is one of those programs and the Ducks were a childhood favorite of the versatile Wadood. In fact, Wadood is the only one of the Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco stars to hold an offer from the Ducks.
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In-state LB Alfieri covets Oregon offer
May, 6, 2013
May 6
2:00
PM ET
By
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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Last weekend's Passing Down Best of the West tournament featured some of the most highly-recruited players in the state, such as Joe Mixon (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) and D.J. Calhoun (El Cerrito, Calif./El Cerrito). But there were a number of other players generating recruiting momentum this spring, including juniors, sophomores and freshmen.
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Once the offer came in, QB Morgan Mahalak (Kentfield, Calif./Marin Catholic) didn't hesitate in making his decision.
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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."
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QB Mahalak attends Ducks' spring game
April, 29, 2013
Apr 29
9:00
AM ET
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.
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Video: Pac-12 spring visits, big decommit
April, 26, 2013
Apr 26
12:57
PM ET
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.
Several California tailbacks have pulled away from the pack as the top running back targets in the state and Demario Richard (Palmdale, Calif./Palmdale) is using a very strong spring to join them.
After picking up an offer from Oregon earlier this month, Richard added another big Pac-12 offer on Wednesday morning, when he spoke with Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian.
After picking up an offer from Oregon earlier this month, Richard added another big Pac-12 offer on Wednesday morning, when he spoke with Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian.
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Hinsdale (Ill.) Central tight end Ian Bunting listed a top three at the end of February, but that group dissipated nearly as quickly as it was created as several big offers over the next 72 hours made him open it back up.
After visits to several of those schools, the ESPN 150 tight end is closing in on naming a top group once again.
After visits to several of those schools, the ESPN 150 tight end is closing in on naming a top group once again.
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La. S McGraw excited for Oregon visit
April, 17, 2013
Apr 17
12:00
PM ET
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
After a standout performance at the Memphis NFTC over the weekend, safety Mattrell McGraw (River Ridge, La./John Curtis) picked up yet another offer. The latest one came from Michigan and has to be considered important for the talented McGraw, who has expressed his desire to leave the area. The offer from the Wolverines could add to an already busy offseason full of unofficial visits for the hard-hitting athlete.
Before any potential trip to Ann Arbor, however, the 6-foot, 190-pound athlete will head west for a quick trip to Eugene, Ore., to check out a school that has definitely grabbed his attention.
Before any potential trip to Ann Arbor, however, the 6-foot, 190-pound athlete will head west for a quick trip to Eugene, Ore., to check out a school that has definitely grabbed his attention.
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Recruiting updates from B2G Invitational
April, 15, 2013
Apr 15
11:20
PM ET
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
While the RecruitingNation Top 10 from the B2G 7v7 Elite 16 Tournament featured the top performers from the weekend, there were plenty of other players who put together big weekends and find themselves on the recruiting boards of Pac-12 programs.
Quinn Smith
2014, Carlsbad (Calif.) La Costa Canyon |TE| 6-foot-5, 235 pounds
Smith jumped out simply based on his size, but the big tight end also showed why programs across the country have him on their radar. He holds an FCS offer from Eastern Illinois, but it might not be long before he breaks into the FBS ranks. His father attended Arizona and the Wildcats, who have expressed serious interest, would become the prohibitive favorite if an offer was extended. Smith also has heard from Air Force, Boise State, Colorado, Colorado State, Michigan, Nebraska, Stanford, UCLA, Washington, Washington State and Wisconsin. He plans to camp this summer at Stanford, and said both the Cardinal and Bruins are waiting for his SAT score to come in before discussing an offer. However it's unlikely that Smith, who sports a 4.3 GPA, will be tripped up by academics while working to get to the next level.
Quinn Smith
2014, Carlsbad (Calif.) La Costa Canyon |TE| 6-foot-5, 235 pounds
Smith jumped out simply based on his size, but the big tight end also showed why programs across the country have him on their radar. He holds an FCS offer from Eastern Illinois, but it might not be long before he breaks into the FBS ranks. His father attended Arizona and the Wildcats, who have expressed serious interest, would become the prohibitive favorite if an offer was extended. Smith also has heard from Air Force, Boise State, Colorado, Colorado State, Michigan, Nebraska, Stanford, UCLA, Washington, Washington State and Wisconsin. He plans to camp this summer at Stanford, and said both the Cardinal and Bruins are waiting for his SAT score to come in before discussing an offer. However it's unlikely that Smith, who sports a 4.3 GPA, will be tripped up by academics while working to get to the next level.
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OL Tyrell Crosby commits to Oregon
April, 15, 2013
Apr 15
10:06
PM ET
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
After taking an unofficial visit to Eugene over the weekend, OL Tyrell Crosby (Henderson, Nev./Green Valley) didn't take long to make a decision, committing to the Ducks over Utah on Monday.
"Yes sir. I committed about an hour ago," Crosby said. "Everything about it was what I expected and more."
His time in Eugene showed Crosby everything he needed to see in order to feel confident in choosing the Ducks.
Oregon took full advantage of having Crosby on campus while spring practice was in full swing. The way Oregon runs its program each day reminded Crosby exactly why he fell in love with the first BCS program to offer him a scholarship.
"Yes sir. I committed about an hour ago," Crosby said. "Everything about it was what I expected and more."
His time in Eugene showed Crosby everything he needed to see in order to feel confident in choosing the Ducks.
Oregon took full advantage of having Crosby on campus while spring practice was in full swing. The way Oregon runs its program each day reminded Crosby exactly why he fell in love with the first BCS program to offer him a scholarship.
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RECRUITING NATION WEST COVERAGE
The West Region consists of the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico,
Oregon, Utah, Washington and
Wyoming and provides talent for Pac=12 programs and other national recruiting programs.More RecruitingNation blogs
RecruitingNation has the latest recruiting news from across the country:
• On The Trail • East Region blog
• Midlands Region blog
• Midwest Region blog • Southeast Region blog
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