Ducks may trip Island DT

The Oregon Ducks graduated four seniors off the defensive line in 2013 so for the recruiting Class of 2014 they are looking to refill the pipeline. Recently they hit the islands in search of the right fit and now are taking a serious look at Honolulu (HI) Moanalua standout Ratu Mafileo.

When Duck Sports Authority caught up with the 6-foot-2, 305-pound defensive tackle on Thursday, he and Oregon were still working on an official visit, something that is not a certainty.

"If I get the green light then I will leave Friday or Saturday," confirmed Mafileo.

The green light would come from head coach Mark Helfrich, and Mafileo would welcome it.

"Oregon is a great school," said Mafileo. "They have a great community, tradition and it is close to Hawaii."

The Island native made clear his intentions should he make the flight across the Pacific to Eugene.

"If I go on the trip, I will definitely commit to Oregon while I am there," admitted Mafileo. "I am fully interested in Oregon."

In addition to the Ducks, the Moanalua star has been recruited by another Pac-12 school.

"It was between Oregon and Arizona State for me," said Mafileo. "They both needed a DT, but Oregon has shown more interest."

Leading the charge for his recruitment has been the Ducks defensive line coach.

"Coach Aiken is a great guy," said Mafileo. "He is more worried about my grades than my physical talents."

While nothing is finalized about the trip to Oregon this weekend, the Aloha State athlete is upbeat.

"I am confident they will trip me," predicted Mafileo.

Recruiting for the Class of 2014 is getting down to the wire with national signing day less than a week away. Stay tuned to Duck Sports Authority as we follow Ratu Mafileo and all of Oregon's targets up to and after February 5th.