Looking Ahead: 2018 Oregon under the radar trio
In the midst of Willie Taggart’s introductory press conference, he made it a point to say that he wanted to ‘build a fence around the state’ of Oregon – an implication that he wanted to make sure that the best of the best in the state would choose the Ducks first. While it was not aimed at any individual, there was certainly the impression that Taggart was speaking directly to future prospects.
With the 2017 recruiting cycle in a dead period, there is not much news in the way of visits, despite the slew of new offers from Taggart and the Ducks, so today we turn the clock ahead just a bit with an early look at the class of 2018. Specifically, we take a look at three under the radar prospects in the state of Oregon.
WHO: Travis Spreen is a three-star prospect from Jesuit High School. Ranked as the No. 5 center in the nation by Rivals.com, Spreen has good size (6-5, 278) and excellent physicality. In a state bereft of major talent, Spreen offers yet another in-state offensive lineman to join recent signee Alex Forsyth and current Ducks Doug Brenner and Evan Voeller. On film, he has all of the tools to be one of the better centers in the nation.
Given the history of the Ducks at the position with players like Max Unger and Hroniss Grasu in the NFL, and current Duck center Jake Hanson making the freshman All-American team, Spreen would be a natural fit for new Duck head coach Willie Taggart.
Spreen made an unofficial visit in November and is getting some interest from several schools; including the Ducks.
SAY WHAT: “I had a terrific time at Oregon, I loved the treatment I got from the athletic assistants and from the coaches. The roster of current Jesuit Alums at U of O really makes the place feel like home and I feel comfortable there,” Spreen told Duck Sports Authority.
What did he think of the coaching change and ultimate hire of Willie Taggart? “I'm surprised and excited about the hire of Coach Taggart. I'm intrigued to see what direction he hopes to steer the Oregon program and the line coach he'll hire. I'm eager to hear from him."
WHO: Eli’Jah Winston is the younger brother of current Oregon linebacker Lamar Winston. Listed as a three-star by Rivals, the younger Winston has very good size at 6-3 and 220 pounds. Thought listed as an athlete, he plays linebacker for Central Catholic High School and some think he has more upside than his brother.
Winston is a physical linebacker who shows good skills in coverage and is a solid tackler. He excels in pass rush due to his exceptional athleticism.
SAY WHAT: Asked about the opportunity to play with his brother after an offer from Oregon Winston said, "I'm honestly not sure yet how I feel, because I'm still thinking about the plusses. I haven't really run over the minuses yet. He could guide me and be my mentor .But to go to a whole other college where I know no one is different. It will make me uncomfortable. But I have no problem being uncomfortable and stepping out of the box."
WHO: Bynum might be the best three-star prospect you have not yet seen. He has exceptional size at 6-5 and 250 pounds as a high school junior and looks well on his way to being an exceptional defensive end. He plays at Wilsonville after moving from Eastern Oregon following middle school.
On film, he is big, strong, fast and very physical. At the 5A level he looks unstoppable. He will definitely need to hit some camps in the upcoming offseason to get some better recognition, but he could be another one of those players that shoots up the Rivals rankings with a good summer camp season.
SAY WHAT: “I’m still waiting for my first offer, but I have a lot of schools that have been talking to me,” Bynum said. “Washington State, Washington, Oregon State, Colorado, Navy and UCLA and Oregon and little bit.”
Coming from the same high school as Johnny Ragin, Bynum prefers to play defense. “I will play wherever the coaches think I fit best, but I love to play defense,” Bynum noted. “There’s more glory on offense, but I love to play defense.”