Thomas Graham to Oregon: Ducks Land 4-Star CB Prospect

Oregon bolstered its future secondary Friday when cornerback prospect Thomas Graham joined its 2017 recruiting class. 

Greg Biggins of Scout reported the news while detailing a key part of the decision:

The 5'11" and 163-pound Graham is a 4-star prospect, per Scout, and the No. 77 overall player, No. 7 cornerback and No. 3 cornerback from the state of California in the 2017 class.

Graham was initially part of USC’s 2017 group, but he decommitted in April.

Biggins relayed Graham's thoughts on the Trojans and why he ultimately turned away from them on the recruiting trail: "The biggest thing with me and USC is just an overall lack of communication. I like Coach [Clay] Helton a lot, and he has told me they still want me, but actions do speak louder than words, and I just don't feel that connection right now."

Oregon was far from the only West Coast school that recruited the California native. In addition to USC, Pac-12 programs such as UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Washington were also included on Scout's list of interested schools, as were national powerhouses such as Notre Dame and Alabama.

Hudl shared some of the physical cornerback’s highlights at the high school level that underscored just how effective he is in the secondary:

Scout provided a complete breakdown of Graham and pointed to the fact he is one of the elite cover corners in the country. The presence of a cornerback who college coaches can trust on an island in today’s pass-happy game makes life easier for every level of the defense, as the linebackers and safeties can provide run support, attack the quarterback or focus on other pass-catchers.

Graham is strong and physical enough to lock up receivers at the line of scrimmage and quick enough to stick with athletes in space and on the outside. While he may need some time to adjust to the overall college game, he possesses the raw skill set necessary to be an impact playmaker at the next level.

Now Oregon will have the opportunity to unleash him on opposing offenses as soon as the upcoming season.