Oregon Football Recruiting: Meet the Ducks' 2014 Commits

Mark Helfrich and his staff did a fine job in putting together another very solid Oregon class. There is the usual mix of star power, under-the-radar talent and players with the potential to become stars down the road.

The Ducks were unable to secure commitments from some of their top targets on signing day, but did secure commitments from two safeties when Mattrell McGraw and Khalil Oliver signed their letters of intent and sent them to the Oregon coaching staff.

In all, there might be some disappointed Oregon fans after missing out on Juju Smith, but the Ducks are blessed with a roster stocked full of dynamic athletes.

As it stands now, Oregon finished in a familiar place, ranked No. 21 on the 247Sports.com Recruiting Team Rankings, good for the No. 3 class in the Pac-12.

There wasn't the signing day surprise that Oregon has become accustomed to in recent years, so there wasn't a lot of news about the Ducks. 

The one thing that might leave a bitter taste in the mouths of Oregon fans WAS big defensive tackle Trey Lealaimatafao's decision to sign with LSU. But given the Tigers' reputation as a defensive line factory and the proximity to his hometown of San Antonio, there is no shame in that.

Without further delay, here is the Oregon's 2014 recruiting class.

*The stats, rankings and information in this article come from 247sports.com and the 247Sports Composite Rankings, unless otherwise noted.

Jalen Brown

247Sports

Jalen Brown played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl before enrolling early at Oregon.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'2," 187 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 4-Star Wide Receiver, No. 15 WR, No. 107 overall

• High School: Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, Ariz.)

• Stats: 52 receptions, 1,229 yards, 19 touchdowns, per maxpreps.com. 

• Other Finalists: Vanderbilt, Wisconsin, Oregon State, UCLA, Oklahoma, Michigan

• Commit Date: 10/14/2013  *Brown graduated early and is already enrolled at Oregon 

• Analysis: Brown is a smart player from a strong program in Arizona who is capable of seeing the field in 2014. Not only could he see the field, he could be a breakout star. He isn't flashy, but he does everything at a high level. He will go over the middle to make the tough catches and has incredible ball skills once the ball arrives.

Tanner Carew

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Don't be fooled by the 2-star rating of Tanner Carew. He is among the best at his position.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'2," 215 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 2-Star Long Snapper, No. 2 position

• High School: Damien (Laverne, Calif.)

• Stats: 29 tackles, 1 sack, 1 reception, 10 yards, 1 touchdown, per maxpreps.com

• Other Finalists: Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon State

• Commit Date: 06/15/2013 

• Analysis: Low star ratings come with being a specialist, so pay more attention to his status as a U.S. Army All-American. That he earned a full scholarship offer from the Ducks early in the recruiting process is even more telling of his ability. With the long snapper spot vacant, Carew will almost certainly be on the field as a freshman. Like any long snapper, if you never hear his name again, you'll know just how important his signing was.

Tyrell Crosby

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Tyrell Crosby (Left) had his stock soar after an early offer from Oregon, but he remained loyal to the Ducks.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'5," 295 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 3-Star offensive tackle, No. 32 position, No. 2 player in Nevada

• High School: Damien (Laverne, Calif.)

• Stats: 20 tackles, 7 sacks, 5 TFL, per maxpreps.com

• Other Finalists: Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon State

• Commit Date: 04/15/2013 

• Analysis: Crosby was the first offensive lineman to receive an offer from the Ducks last spring. The Ducks were the first program to offer the athletic big man. The early offer from Oregon and a strong senior season sent his stock soaring. 
  
  He told me at the time of his commitment that the only way he would even consider not signing with the Ducks was if Alabama offered him. The Crimson Tide didn't, but Florida, USC and many others did. It didn't matter as Crosby proved to be a man of his word.

Braden Eggert

247Sports

Huge offensive tackle Braden Eggert is one of the most unproven Oregon signees, but has a very high ceiling.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'7," 305 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 3-Star offensive tackle, No. 43 OT, No. 47 in California

• High School: Napa High School (Napa, Calif.)

• Other Finalists: Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon State

• Commit Date: 06/15/2013 

• Analysis: Eggert is a massive body who is reminiscent of many former standout offensive linemen at Oregon. Even though he is among the top 50 prospects in California and is rated as high as a 4-star by some, Eggert is somewhat of an unknown. The Ducks have had as much success with lesser known offensive linemen as they have with highly rated big men in recent years. Eggert is a bit of both and will likely redshirt and be in the mix for a spot in the two-deep in 2015.

Royce Freeman

Eric Gay/Associated Press

Royce Freeman stole the show at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, scoring three touchdowns for the West.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 5'11.5," 215 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 4-Star Running Back, No. 6 RB, No. 37 overall

• High School: Imperial High School (Imperial, Calif.)

• Stats: 256 carries, 2,824 yards, 41 touchdowns, 8 receptions. 116 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2-for-2, 70 yards, 1 touchdown passing, per maxpreps.com

• Other Finalists: UCLA, USC

• Commit Date: 07/12/2013 

• Analysis: The Ducks aren't lacking proven ball-carriers, but Freeman's ability will have him on the field in 2014. He isn't a burner, but he is more than capable of taking one to the house. With Freeman joining returners Thomas Tyner and Byron Marshall in the backfield, the Ducks will have the ability to keep fresh legs on the field with no drop in talent.

Dominique Harrison

247Sports

Dominique Harrison could provide immediate help in the depleted Oregon secondary.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'0," 185 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 3-Star Cornerback, No. 14 CB (Juco), No. 123 overall (Juco)

• High School: Contra Costa College (San Pablo, Calif.)

• Stats: 28 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 INT, 16 pass breakups
  

• Other Finalists: Arizona State, Cal

• Commit Date: 06/05/2013 

• Analysis: Harrison is somewhat of an unknown, but he is a physical corner with experience who will provide immediate depth on the edge. He will have a chance to compete for a starting spot or a place in the rotation during fall camp. His physical maturity and junior college experience give him an edge on some of the younger players already on the roster. His addition adds to what will be an entertaining battle for the open spots in the secondary. 

Justin Hollins

247Sports

With a long frame and great athleticism, Justin Hollins is the prototype Oregon defensive player.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'5," 210 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 3-Star Defensive End, No. 42 WDE, No. 100 in Texas

• High School: Martin High School (Arlington, Texas)

• Stats: 59 tackles, 4 sacks, 15 TFL, 2 fumble recoveries

• Other Finalists: Baylor, Oklahoma, Missouri

• Commit Date: 10/28/2013 

• Analysis: Hollins is a great athlete who will likely be a force in time. He plays with a style similar to another thin defender from Texas, Torrodney Prevot. Hollins will likely redshirt in 2014 and prepare for a role as a rush end once he hits the field on 2015.

Glen Ihenacho

247Sports

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'0," 185 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 3-Star Safety, No. 61 S, No. 72 in California

• High School: Junipero Serra High School (Gardena, Calif.)

• Stats: 29 tackles, 1 sack, 1 reception, 10 yards, 1 touchdown, per maxpreps.com

• Other Finalists: Colorado, Miami, Washington, UCLA

• Commit Date: 11/21/2013 

• Analysis: Ihenacho isn't the highest rated prospect from his school, but he has a lot of potential long term. He is an athletic safety with good size and good instincts. His brother Frank wasn't a big recruit out of high school, but he was a starter in the secondary for the Denver Broncos this past season.

          Ihenacho is likely headed for a redshirt season, but the talented athlete has a high upside.

Tony James

247Sports

Tony James ignored advances from Southern powers in order to become an Oregon Duck.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 5'9," 180 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 4-Star Running Back, No. 7 APB, No. 37 in Florida, No. 268 overall

• High School: Gainesville High School (Gainesville, Fla.)

• Stats: 173 carries, 1,242, 9 touchdowns, 1 reception, 11 yards, 1 touchdown, per maxpreps.com. 

• Other Finalists: Florida, Kentucky, Nebraska, Vanderbilt

• Commit Date: 09/29/2013

• Analysis: If a backfield of Tyner, Marshall, Freeman and Marcus Mariota isn't enough, James will be the lightning to the other backs' thunder. James is similar to LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner and provides a different skill set than the other backs on the roster. It's not like the Ducks are in need of another option on offense, but James will be a home run threat every time he touches eh ball.

Jalen Jelks

247Sports

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'7," 253 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 3-Star Defensive Tackle, No. 37 DT, No. 10 in Arizona

• High School: Desert Vista High School (Phoenix, Ariz.)

• Stats: 72 tackles, 10 sacks, 12 TFL, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 FG block per maxpreps.com

• Other Finalists: Nebraska, Oregon State, Wisconsin, Washington

• Commit Date: 07/22/2013 

• Analysis: Jelks has a massive frame and good athleticism for his size. He is most likely headed for a redshirt year. His development will be key when you consider the lack of depth in the middle of the Ducks' line. He spurned the Ducks' in-state rival despite his father having played for the Beavers. 
  

Haniteli Louisi

247Sports

Haniteli Lousi arrived in Eugene with significant hype and is expected to be on the field in 2014.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'5," 295 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 4-Star Offensive Guard, No. 1 OG (Juco), No. 20 overall (Juco)

• High School: College of San Mateo (San Mateo, Calif.)

• Other Finalists: Arizona State, Colorado, Kansas

• Commit Date: 12/10/2013, *Will enroll for spring term 

• Analysis: Louisi will come in with experience and a lot of talent, which should allow him to challenge for a starting spot. Louisi has three years to play two, so a redshirt year isn't out of the question if he isn't ready to go in 2014. The Ducks have some depth on the line, but most of it is unproven. Louisi is unproven as well, but if he comes in with chip on his shoulder, he will make the offensive line a position to keep an eye on.

Morgan Mahalak

247Sports

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'3," 190 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 4-Star Quarterback, No. 5 Dual-Threat QB, No. 228 overall

• High School: Marin Catholic High School (Kentfield, Calif.)

• Stats: 160-of-260, 2,795 yards, 38 touchdowns, 4 INT, 82 carries, 575 yards, 7 touchdowns per maxpreps.com

• Other Finalists: None

• Commit Date: 04/30/2013 

• Analysis: Being named an Elite 11 finalist and an Under Armour All-American is an impressive feat for any quarterback. Doing so in his first year as the starting varsity quarterback makes Mahalak the player with the highest ceiling of any of the Ducks' newcomers. Expect him to redshirt in 2014 and battle Jake Rodrigues and Jeff Lockie for the starting spot once Mariota leaves for the NFL.

Austin Maloata

247Sports

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'3," 270 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 3-Star Defensive End, No. 28 SDE, No. 60 in California

• High School: Centennial (Corona, Calif.)

• Stats: 30 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 touchdown, per maxpreps.com

• Other Finalists: Arizona State, USC, Washington State

• Commit Date: 01/31/2013 

• Analysis: Maloata could be the biggest surprise of the class. He is an aggressive defensive terror who plays with a fire that frustrates opponents and inspires his teammates. He is a natural defensive end, but at 270 pounds out of high school, coupled with his strength and skill, expect him to become a force in the middle for the Ducks. He is still a bit raw, so look for a redshirt year, followed by a potentially dominant career.

Mattrell McGraw

247Sports.com

Semper Fidelis All-American Mattrell McGraw spurned local program to head west to Oregon.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 5'10," 180 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 3-star Safety, No. 28 S, No. 362 overall

• High School: John Curtis High School (River Ridge, La.)

• Stats: 41 tackles, per maxpreps.com

• Other Finalists: Texas A&M, UCLA, USC

• Commit Date: 11/25/2013 

• Analysis: The Semper Fidelis All-American is a fantastic football player from one of the top high school programs in the country. He is a rare mix of an elite player with an underdog mentality. He has a slight frame but plays with a physical and aggressive style, which makes him a perfect fit in the Oregon secondary. 
  
  The Ducks have a lot of depth in the secondary, but similar to Springs, McGraw's talent and versatility make it likely he will see the field in some capacity in 2014. Look for him to make a splash on special teams as he looks to break into the two-deep on defense.
  

Khalil Oliver

247Sports

Khalil Oliver became a hot commodity after decommitting from Boise State after Chris Peterson's departure.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'0," 185 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 3-Star Safety, No. 127 S, No. 4 in Idaho

• High School: Rocky Mountain High School (Meridian, ID)

• Other Finalists: Boise State, Washington

• Commit Date: 02/05/2014 

• Analysis: Oliver is a little-known prospect from a state known more for potatoes than producing great athletes. His recruitment was off the radar due to a lack of exposure and his absence at camps heavily covered by the media. 

          Couple that with a commitment to Boise State in June and Oliver was virtually nonexistent in the minds of even the most diehard recruiting junkies. He has good size and looks solid on film, but look for him to redshirt in 2014 as he makes the  transition from high school football in Idaho to the Pac-12.

Henry Mondeaux

247Sports

Henry Mondeaux played on both sides of the ball in high school, but will play defense at Oregon.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'4," 255 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 3-star Tight End, No. 20 TE, No. 3 in Oregon

• High School: Jesuit High School (Portland, Ore.)

• Stats: 16 receptions, 276 yards, 4 touchdowns, per maxpreps.com

• Other Finalists: Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon State

• Commit Date: 11/25/2013 

• Analysis: Mondeaux is a jumbo athlete in every sense of the word. He is athletic enough to be a playmaking tight end at the college level, but he will play defense for the Ducks. Mondeaux can rush the edge, but he is physical enough to hold the edge against the run. He will likely redshirt, but keep an eye on him because he could play on either side of the ball and has a high ceiling. Don't be surprised if his career takes a path similar to another former Portland area product, Taylor Hart.

Charles Nelson

247Sports

Charles Nelson is one of the fastest players from the state of Florida, so he'll fit nicely at Oregon.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 5'9," 170 pounds

• Position/Ranking (Position-Overall): 3-Star Athlete, No. 33 ATH, No. 68 in Florida

• High School: Seabreeze (Daytona Beach, Fla)

• Stats: 27 receptions, 409 yards, 7 touchdowns, per maxpreps.com

• Other Finalists: Florida, Notre Dame, USC, West Virginia

• Commit Date: 01/27/2014

• Analysis: Nelson looks destined to be one of the players to try to fill the role of De'Anthony Thomas. He isn't a true running back or wide receiver by trade, so look for him to make his impact on special teams as a return man before eventually making his way on the field in the slot. Oregon's "TAZR" position, a hybrid offensive weapon, was created by Chip Kelly for players just like Nelson. As one of the fastest players in the state of Florida, Nelson will fit in nicely at Oregon.

Arrion Springs

247Sports

Under Armour All-American Arrion Springs could be the most important piayer in the class.

247Sports.com profile 

• Height/Weight: 5'11," 192 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 4-Star Cornerback, No. 9 CB, No. 12 in Texas, No. 88 overall

• High School: Roosevelt (San Antonio, Texas)

• Stats: 27 tackles, 1 sack, 2 fumble recoveries, 16 receptions, 296 yards, 6 touchdowns, per maxpreps.com

• Other Finalists: Florida State, Miami, Oklahoma, Texas, USC

• Commit Date: 01/27/2013 

• Analysis: Springs could wind up being the most valuable player in this class. Any time a player of his caliber comes into a program it is important, but the lack of proven talent in the Ducks' secondary makes his signature even more valuable. Springs has the physical and mental attributes to play any position in the secondary and will immediately challenge for the starting spot opposite Ifo Ekpre-Olomu.
  
  

Jimmie Swain

247Sports

Jimmy Swain announced his commitment to Oregon on television during the Semper Fideils All-American Bowl.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'2.5," 229 pounds

• Position/Ranking: 4-Star Linebacker, No. 24 OLB, No. 3 in Kansas, No. 294 overall

• High School: North (Olathe, Kan.)

• Stats: 

• Other Finalists: Arkansas, Michigan State, Texas A&M

• Commit Date: 01/05/2014 

• Analysis: The Ducks have plenty of young talent at outside linebacker and Swain will only add to that. With a mix of veterans and talented youngsters at the position, Swain could be a redshirt candidate in 2014. His talent says otherwise, so don't be surprised to see him make an impact on special teams and possibly earn playing time at linebacker as a freshman.

Tui Talia

247Sports

The Ducks will need junior college transfer Tui Talia to help out on the field in 2014.

247Sports.com profile

• Height/Weight: 6'5," 265 pounds

• Position/Rankings: 3-Star DE, No. 4 (Juco), No.  22 overall (Juco)

• High School: Diablo Valley College (Pleasant Hill, Calif.)

• Stats: 65 tackles, 13 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, per cccaastats.org

• Other Finalists: Washington

• Commit Date: 01/27/2013 

• Analysis: Talia is a candidate for immediate playing time on the defensive line. The Ducks need size and experience to help replenish the defensive line rotation. At 6'5," 265 pounds, Talia can play inside or outside and will likely do both in 2014. As a junior college transfer, Talia has three years to play two seasons, meaning he still has a redshirt year available if needed.

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