This past weekend, the Ducks hosted four official visitors. While three of those visitors, Budda Baker, Chris Brown and Oregon commit Morgan Mahalak were expected, the fourth was not expected.
Glen Ihenacho (a name former Duck Cliff Harris would have to love since it ends in “nacho”), a safety from Serra High School in Gardena, California, surprised most fans with his visit.
There had been reports that his team mate, five star all-everything athlete Adoree Jackson would be in Eugene for his fifth and final official visit. Unfortunately for Duck fans, Jackson, feeling fatigued from having made trips on the prior two weekends, decided to stay home.
While Oregon is not out of the running for an official visit, let’s not overlook his team mate.
Some might question why the Ducks are bringing this player in so late in the process when few had talked about him prior to his arrival.
There are plenty of reasons that he may be visiting, many of which are neither good nor bad; just the reality of college football.
Oregon currently has a commit from junior college defensive back Dominique Harrison and a four-star recruit from San Anotonio, Arrion Springs.
While Springs seems solid, it could be that other targets are looking less likely. Oregon has been linked to players like Mattrell McGraw and Montae Nicholson for that third defensive back slot thought to be available.
It could also be a sign that Oregon intends to possibly take four defensive backs with this class. There is an increasingly likely chance that the Ducks will lose one of their two standout cornerbacks as an early entry to the NFL draft. In fact, there is always the chance both would choose to leave.
While the Ducks will be fine next year with backups Troy Hill and Dior Mathis having plenty of experience, Oregon will need to restock their depth for the future.
Ihenacho is not some run of the mill high school defensive back. He has a legitimate offer list and has good size. He seems to be the type of player that can play as a nickel back or free safety.
Tuesday, for Duck Sports Authority, I will take a look at his film in our next Prospect Analysis piece.