The Reach of Oregon Recruiting Over the Past Decade

Yesterday, I wrote a column in regards to the recent emphasis on pursuing recruits from all over the country.  The modern Oregon program stands as a case in point, with a foundation of Californian athletes as well as players from the northwest, the south, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Hawaii, and Idaho.

The article sparked a one-sided response from readers that Oregon needs to continue recruiting nationally.  I can’t disagree; I find the ability of a once disrespected program to attract five-star recruits to little Eugene an exciting reality.

With over five hundred votes yesterday, 90% of Oregon fans are very pleased to see Chip Kelly and friends attempting to bring players to Eugene  (you can refresh and read the article here ). Below is a list of players who've come from far away destinations during the past decade (2000-2010) to play for the Ducks.

Alabama (2)

Tucker Callahan. Brian Jackson . A member of the 2005 class, Callahan left Eugene and was later spotted on the Alabama team roster in 2007.  A defensive back, Jackson is currently on the roster and a member of the 2009 Oregon class.

Georgia (6)

Brian Truelove, Justin Roper, Wesley Mallard, Braxton Lane, Tyrece Gaines, Garrett Embry .  Both Truelove (Portland State), and Roper (Montana) would soon transfer, while Braxton Lane decided to play baseball before arriving on campus.  Gaines, a Kansas junior college receiver, was declared academically ineligible, and Embry left the team in 2010. Mallard became a very successful linebacker and fan favorite during his Oregon career.

Florida (5)

Ryan Gilliam, LaGarrette Blount, Darrell Wright, Eric Dungy, Isaac Dixon . After one season in Oregon, Gilliam transferred to South Florida.  Blount transferred to Eugene after a season at a Mississippi junior college to provide a productive junior year.  Wright was a steady defensive end for two years. The jury remains out on both Dixon and Dungy.

Indiana (1)

Lavasier Tuinei . A junior college transfer from California and originally from Indiana, Tuinei became a consistent target during the 2009 season.

Illinois (3)

Chris Sima, Kwame Agyeman, Brandon Williams.   As an undersized linebacker, Agyeman played a marginal role during his time as a Duck. Sima was a rarely used long snapper. Williams will begin his Oregon career in 2010.

Kansas (2)

Chris Harper, Zac Clark . Clark recorded thirteen tackles in 2009, and will be looked to play a bigger role in 2010.  Harper transferred to Kansas State after one season in Eugene.

Louisiana (1)

Blair Phillips . The Mississippi junior college transfer led the Ducks in tackles his senior year and made a brief push to play in the NFL upon graduation.

Michigan (1)

Dior Mathis . A 2009 U.S. Army All-American, Mathis was a highly touted commit of the 2010 recruiting class.

Missouri  (2)

Jairus Byrd, Courtney Miller . The current Buffalo Bill (Byrd) had the more successful career. Miller played sparingly as a defensive back during the middle of the decade.

Nebraska (1)

Daryle Hawkins.  Currently the third string quarterback, look for Hawkins to compete for the starting position in two or three years. 

North Carolina (2)

Remene Alston Jr, James Scales . Alston is entering his senior year in 2010, and has never been given the opportunity to be an every down tailback.  Scales was signed as part of the 2010 recruiting class.

Oklahoma (1)

Jeremy Gibbs . Currently playing in the CFL, the Oklahoma native was a key member of the defensive line during his time at Oregon.

Pennsylvania (1)

Chris Vincent . After transferring from LSU, Vincent began his Oregon career at running back before transitioning into a steady linebacker.

South Carolina (2)

Maurice Morris, Sam Hughes . Both Morris, and Hughes hailed from Chester, South Carolina.  Hughes played a limited role at cornerback. Morris is currently in the NFL.

Tennessee (1)

Terrence Scott . Born in Georgia, Scott attended high school in Tennessee and played junior college football in California.  Scott caught over fifty receptions in the 2008 season.

Texas (9)

Micah Howeth, Antwaun Harris, LaMichael James, Zach Taylor, Blake Cantu, Josh Huff, Lache Seastrunk, Dontae Williams, Darron Thomas . Clearly, James has been the class of these Texas players, with the jury still out on Seastrunk, Cantu, Thomas, Williams, and Huff.

Wisconsin (2)

Sean Cullen, Kurtis Doerr . An offensive tackle, Cullen was a respected reserve at Oregon. Doerr handled the punting duties for the Ducks.