Top Trio: cornerbacks

After opening conference play with two wins, the Oregon football team returns to Autzen for a contest against the Washington Huskies. With the ramping up of the schedule, Duck coaches will also be turning up their recruiting efforts as well.

With the heart of football approaching and more prospective student athletes visiting campuses around the nation, talk about the top recruits is also sure to pick up steam.

Today we continue our 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 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 next position we will discuss is one that always stands out. Defensive Coordinator Nick Aliotti loves to use pressure to create havoc, but the pressure leaves one position all alone on an island; cornerbacks. Without good corners, the Duck defense cannot create the havoc they thrive on. Currently, the Ducks are very young at the cornerback position with no cornerbacks set to graduate for at least two more years. The Duck coaches can be a little pickier when looking to fill a position where the need is less. That is the case with corner backs as the Rivals database currently shows just one offer at the position. There are a few other intriguing prospects who may be worth a look to the Duck coaches if their top target chooses to go elsewhere.

NAME

POS.

STARS

HT/WT/40

HOMETOWN

VIDEO

Will Likely

5’7″/172/4.6

Belle Glade, FL

WHO: Will Likely is the 17th ranked corner back in the nation and the 194th overall prospect by Rivals.com. The 26th ranked player in the state of Florida, Likely has very good speed and field vision. Likely impressed just about everywhere he went during the summer camp circuit. While he is small, he can definitely cover.

SAY WHAT: “He had at least two pass breakups against bigger receivers and showed good ability to elevate. If he were a few inches taller, he’d be in the discussion as one of the most complete in the country. “-Mike Farrell at The Opening
Likely does not yet have any favorites, but has thought about what he wants to see in the school he chooses. “Just feeling comfortable, seeing what kind of environment, seeing where I fit at the school and then how the players are, seeing what they’re like,” Likely said.

WHERE: At the moment Likely has not named a leader. Most of the schools he is interested in are East Coast schools. One West coast school has received some reciprocal interest from Likely and that school is Stanford. At this point, the Ducks are a long shot for a visit let alone a commitment from Likely. But he is at least willing to consider a West coast school.

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