4-Star WR KJ Hamler Knows 3 Official Visits, Says Oregon Is 'On Top'

BEAVERTON, Ore. — A native of Big Ten Conference territory, 4-star receiver recruit KJ Hamler is favoring a West Coast university.

The 5'9", 155-pound playmaker, currently at Nike's world headquarters for The Opening prospect showcase, pointed to Oregon as a program of particular interest. Though he's yet to visit Eugene, the Ducks have made a strong impression since extending an offer in late May.

“That offer meant a lot because Oregon has been one of my top schools for a while now," Hamler told Bleacher Report. "When I got it, I couldn’t really believe that happened. A lot of people don’t get an Oregon offer where I’m from [Detroit area]. They’re up on top for me.”

Though he's reluctant to declare an outright favorite and prefers to focus on a collection of schools, Hamler confirmed Oregon is in an enviable position when it comes to his recruiting process.

“I can say they’re at the top," he said.

Rated No. 40 nationally among receivers in composite rankings, Hamler will wrap up his high school career at Florida powerhouse IMG Academy. He spent the past three years at St. Mary's Prep near Detroit, winning four state titles—two on the football field and two on the track.

Hamler joins a loaded collection of talent at IMG, where he anticipates new challenges. 

“The roster is stacked," Hamler said. "There’s a lot of talent on IMG and I’m excited to meet those guys. That competition drives you to be better. This decision wasn’t personal. It was mostly for growth. The focus is on getting mentally and physically better, and ready for college.”

The ability to potentially enroll early at college next winter also motivated him to make the move. He will relocate to the Sunshine State later this month, but will return to Big Ten country before long.

Along with Oregon and fellow Pac-12 member Arizona, Hamler plans to use an official visit at Penn State. He's yet to determine if other official visits will occur beyond those three, and trips to Eugene and Tucson would both be his first.

Nittany Lions quarterback commit Sean Clifford, an Elite 11 finalist who is also at The Opening, continues to make Hamler a priority target. Overall, Penn State is perhaps the most persistent pursuer in this chase.

“I talk to them every day," Hamler said. "If I decide to go there, I know I have a quarterback on my side with Sean. We’re cool and we’re kind of close now. Sean keeps in contact all the time, so does [receivers coach Josh] Gattis and [head coach James] Franklin.”

He cites Penn State's need for a field-stretching deep threat as motivation to further explore options in Happy Valley.

“I could bring a different kind of playmaker to their system," Hamler said. "But, then again, a lot of teams think I bring something new to the offense. Coaches think I can be an electrifying playmaker and provide that for their team.”

He has been to Penn State multiple times already, but no school has hosted him more than Michigan State. Significant familiarity with the program will likely prevent Hamler from implementing an official visit in East Lansing.

“I don’t really need an official visit to Michigan State because I’ve been spending time there since eighth grade," he said. "I’ve got things pretty figured out there and already know everyone with the team."

The Spartans were the second team to offer Hamler, who carries a high comfort level with Michigan State coaches and players alike.

“They’ve been with me through thick and thin, through tough times and good times," he said. "I have a great relationship with the coaches and still stay in contact with them often.”

Michigan State leads his 247Sports "crystal ball" predictions with 60 percent of commitment projections, while Oregon carries the remaining 40 percent. An upcoming series of official visits, including his first trip to Eugene, should continue to reshape this evolving recruitment, with an anticipated commitment unlikely before winter.

“My family wants to fully understand the education part at each school but the rest of the process is up to me," Hamler said. "The official visits are going to be important."

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings.

Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.