Oregon Ducks’ Hosting Biggest Recruiting Visits of the Year

With the Ducks working aggressively to rebuild their football program, many of the nation’s top prospects have taken notice and believe they could be the ones to finally bring a national championship to Eugene.

In fact, over the past few weeks, the Oregon Ducks have hosted several top prospects, and coming into this weekend, the Ducks are hosting the best mix of prospective offensive and defensive players, including a top-notch wide receiver, blue chip running backs, a native cornerback, an offensive tackle, a safety, and a linebacker.

So, let’s take a closer look at the seven prospective players who are scheduled to make an official recruiting visit to Eugene this weekend.

1. Joseph Lewis

A U.S. Army All American prospect on the Ducks’ radar is top wide-receiver Joseph Lewis. The five-star wide receiver is currently ranked number four in the state of California and 13 overall nationally.

Although, it seems that USC is favored to land Lewis, Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Oregon may still be in the hunt. If Oregon’s explosive offense impresses Lewis this weekend, his interest in USC could begin to fade away, allowing Oregon to pick up their first wide-receiver commitment in the 2017 recruiting class.

2. Darrian Felix

An all-purpose back in the 2017 recruiting class, Darrian Felix has been close to committing to the Duck’s for quite some time. Felix is currently a three-star recruit who is ranked seventh among all-purpose backs and 602 overall nationally.

Although Felix has received prestigious offers from his hometown school Miami and Tennessee, it looks like the Ducks could be the right fit for him. Awhile back, Felix was expected to visit Oregon, but instead attended “Orange Carpet Day” at Tennessee. If the Ducks’ make the perfect pitch this weekend, Felix could make a commitment.

3. Travis Etienne

Another top prospect that has been on the Oregon Ducks’ radar is three-star running back, Travis Etienne. Etienne is currently ranked 23 at his position and 333 overall nationally.

Although being heavily recruited by Oregon and Alabama, it seems like Texas A&M may have the upper hand in Etienne’s recruitment. However this could change if his visit goes well on Saturday. If Etienne commits to the Ducks’ after this weekend, he would certainly compliment the other running back commit CJ Verdell.

4. Elijah Molden

One of the top Cornerbacks in the 2017 recruiting class, Elijah Molden has piqued Oregon’s interest and could be the next big defensive player to commit. Elijah is not only one of the best in-state Oregonian prospects, but is also the son of former Oregon Duck player Alex Molden. He is currently a four-star prospect who is ranked second in the state of Oregon and 183 overall nationally.

Besides Oregon, Molden has listed USC, Stanford, and Washington among his top four schools. However, the West Linn native is rumored to have placed Oregon as his overall favorite. But can newly promoted Offensive Coordinator Matt Lubick, convince him to commit to Oregon come National Signing Day?

5. Alex Forsyth

An offensive tackle in the 2017 recruiting class, Alex Forsyth has been committed to the Duck’s for quite some time. Forsyth is currently a three-star recruit who is ranked 45 among all inside linebackers and 422 overall nationally. Forsyth is not only a West Linn, Oregon native, but is also teammates with four-star cornerback recruit Elijah Molden.

Although Forsyth has received prestigious offers from Michigan, Stanford, Washington, USC, and many other programs, he has stayed true to his commitment to the Ducks (which came June 11). Forsyth’s visit to Autzen Stadium this weekend should serve as just another reminder of the fortunes of being a Duck, while also helping recruit some of the other prospects visiting, including his teammate Molden.

6. Trajon Cotton

A top prospect that has been on the Ducks’ radar for quite time is three-star safety, Trajon Cotton. Cotton is currently ranked 43 at his position and 611 overall nationally.

Although, it seems that Nebraska is favored to land Cotton, Cal, UCLA, and Oregon may still be in the hunt. It has been rumored that Cotton and four-star tight end Josh Falo could be a package deal; if the Ducks can nab Falo they could get double commitment. As previously stated, the Ducks may be able to convince Cotton that he could start next year as a Freshman, compared to redshirting his first year at Nebraska.

7. Nate McBride

Another U.S. Army All American prospect on the Ducks’ radar is top inside-linebacker Nate McBride. The four-star linebacker is currently ranked number nine in the state of Georgia and 78 overall nationally.

Currently, it seems that McBride is leaning towards staying in state, favoring the University of Georgia. However, McBride is also considering Alabama, Auburn, Oregon, and Stanford.

So there you have it, a quick rundown of the seven prospects that Oregon is hosting this weekend. Let’s hope that the Ducks can upset the fifth ranked Washington Huskies on Saturday to aid in Oregon’s recruiting campaign.