LaMar Winston to Oregon: Ducks Land 4-Star OLB Prospect

Outside linebacker LaMar Winston announced his commitment to play college football at Oregon on Thursday via Twitter:

The Portland, Oregon, native from Central Catholic High School is a 4-star prospect and the 18th-best outside linebacker prospect in the Class of 2016, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

Winston is listed at a rather light 6'4" and 200 pounds, but once he fills out his frame, he figures to be a force for the Ducks front seven. Depending on what kind of defensive alignment Oregon has in the coming years, it seems Winston would be best suited as a hybrid edge-rusher.

To gain an idea of the type of athleticism Winston brings to the gridiron, check out the following highlight from NFHS Network in which he's hauling in a 63-yard touchdown as a receiver in 2014:

It's easy to see why Winston would be deployed as a wideout because of his height and bulk for the position. The key for Oregon is to train him at the defensive position it sees as the best fit for him.

Winston's length alone will help immensely as he continues to refine his technique as a defender. When he learns to disengage blockers a little better and use his long arms to more of an advantage, he will be a true force to be reckoned with.

In addition to having a skill set that translates well to rushing the passer, there are signs that Winston has a high football IQ with his ability to read and react to plays quickly. He plays well in space and takes proper pursuit angles to defend the run well.

It's probably going to take him a year or two to be in the running for a starting job. As long as Oregon brings him along at a gradual pace and is patient with Winston's development, he has the innate skills and playmaking ability to become an impact player at the college level.