While everyone was focused on the Ducks’ debut in the Big 10 Championship game, Dan Lanning and the Oregon coaching staff were hard at work behind the scenes. In a statement to college football that carries as much weight as an undefeated regular season, Lanning and his team secured what could be the best recruiting class in the program’s history. Depending on the ranking systems, media outlets place Oregon in various top-5 spots, but universally, the Ducks boast the highest average recruit ranking in the country.
This series will highlight the future stars who will wear the Green and Yellow (and black, white, chrome, and grey…). Today, we focus on the offensive skill positions—players who are expected to generate big stats and deliver exciting plays in the years to come.
Stars Shining Bright
Dakorien Moore
Wide Receiver – Duncanville High School – Duncanville, TX
The nation’s top-ranked receiver has certainly earned his place. Standing at 5’11” and 182 lbs, he plays bigger than his size, using his length to expand his catch radius and his strength to fend off defenders. A home-run threat on every play, he averaged over 21 yards per catch. As a track sprinter, he has the elite speed to stretch defenses and the agility to turn short routes into big gains.
An excellent route-runner with quick bursts of speed that allow him to shake corners and catch safeties off guard. He enters a receiver room that may lose two key contributors after the season, but there’s still plenty of talent waiting behind him. His skills, honed in the competitive Texas high school ranks, may be too impressive for him not to earn playing time early.
Dallas Wilson
Wide Receiver – Tampa Bay High School – Tampa, FL
Just behind Moore, Wilson ranks as the #4 wide receiver in the class. Standing at 6’3″ and 205 lbs, he combines size and strength to win contested catches, along with the speed and agility to create separation in the open field. He also stands out for his downfield blocking and his apparent love for physicality, actively seeking out contact on running plays and not shying away from aggressive coverage.]
Wilson brings a rare blend of being an efficient possession receiver while also having the potential for highlight-reel catches. He’s skilled at changing gears and directions to find open space, as well as fighting for extra yards through contact. His size and athleticism could give him an edge in earning playing time, especially in bigger formations and red-zone situations.
Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele
Quarterback – James Campbell High School – Ewa Beach, HI
Originally a long-time commit to Cal, Oregon came in late on Jaron’s recruitment but clearly saw something they liked in the 6’3″, 210 lb quarterback. A pocket passer with elite arm strength, Jaron also shows the intelligence to understand that not every throw needs to be thrown with maximum velocity. He excels with deep ball accuracy and has impressive touch when necessary.
While he needs to improve his mobility to avoid sacks and become more of a threat on scrambles, he has the size and strength to break through arm tackles and escape when needed. A standout in shot put and discus, his arm is packed with power, and he boasts a smooth, quick release that hints at NFL potential.
With Dante Moore likely taking the starting job, Jaron has the opportunity to redshirt, refine his skills, and compete for a role in the future.
Akili Smith Jr.
Quarterback – Lincoln High School – San Diego, CA
An Oregon legacy and a powerful pocket passer, Akili 2.0 stands tall at 6’5″ and 200 lbs, with the potential to continue growing into his frame. He possesses great arm strength and deep ball accuracy, making him a high-upside prospect who has shown consistent improvement year after year.
With the athleticism to escape collapsing pockets, he also demonstrates the ability to make throws while rolling in either direction, maintaining excellent field vision to spot downfield targets. He will likely redshirt initially, then compete for playing time in the future as he continues to develop.
Dierre Hill
Running Back – Althoff Catholic High School – Belleville, IL
A two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Illinois, Hall led Althoff Catholic to a dominant Class 1A state championship. He rushed for an astonishing 2,588 yards on just 155 carries (16.7 YPC) and scored 40 rushing touchdowns, in addition to six receiving touchdowns and two return scores.
His record-breaking performance in the state title game against Lena-Winslow featured 443 rushing yards, 518 total yards of offense, and seven touchdowns. Outside of football, Hall posted impressive track times, including an 11.04 in the 100 meters, 22.67 in the 200 meters, 51.78 in the 400 meters, and 7.08 in the indoor 60 meters, according to MileSplit.
His remarkable athleticism and versatility will be fascinating to watch as he looks for playing time in an already crowded Oregon backfield.
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