Top Trio: Running Back

As football season approaches for the Oregon Ducks, so too does football season begin in earnest for high school players around the nation. This is when recruiting really begins to pick up for Oregon. Known to be “stingy” with early offers, Chip Kelly likes to evaluate some prospects as seniors before offering. This past weekend, Oregon fans learned that Marcus Mariota would be the starter at quarterback for the Ducks. Had Coach Kelly been set on early offers there is a chance Mariota may never have made it to Eugene. So, for those that wonder why there are sometimes less offers out of the Oregon coaches than others, Mariota is the perfect example. Marcus did not start a high school game until his senior season when he came on to throw for over 2700 yards and 32 touchdowns. Today we return a weekly series intended to rank some of the most talked about players on Oregon’s recruiting board. During each week of the season we will look at a different position and the “Top Trio” at the position. The players we focus on will be players that may or may not be currently committed to Oregon. The main factors for choosing which players we discuss will be need, buzz and interest; but not necessarily in that order. Any and all opinions of these articles are purely that of Duck Sports Authority and do not reflect the opinions or thoughts of the Oregon coaching staff. The first position we will discuss is one that, despite the expectations of many, is still one of great need: running back. Oregon already has two commitments from running backs for the class of 2012. With the off-season departure of Tra Carson, most people believe that Oregon will look for one more running back.

NAME

POS.

STARS

HT/WT/40

HOMETOWN

VIDEO

Dontre Wilson

6’0″/175/4.4

DeSoto, TX

WHO: Wilson is listed as an all-purpose running back by Rivals. His speed and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield has Oregon looking at him in a role similar to De Anthony Thomas or Josh Huff before him.

SAY WHAT: After some speculation as to how solid Wilson was in his commitment to Oregon, he recently had this to say to Duck Sports Authority: “I will play for Oregon. I’m not looking at any other colleges.” Wilson now seems very solid for the Ducks.

WHERE: Wilson committed to Oregon in June and will be visiting for the weekend of the Washington game. Expect his commitment to remain firm and Wilson to become a Duck.

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