Andy McNamara is no ordinary university media flack. On Friday Oregon's Assistant Director of Media Services has a careful breakdown of the Ducks' past six recruiting classes, with their rankings, how many high school and jc players, and how many eventual starters emerged from each class. The trend is steadily upward.
One significant change stands out. Oregon used to sign five to seven juco guys a year, and this year they took only two, and in 2010, three. Their depth, quality and development of athletes has grown to a place where they don't have to rely as heavily on two-year transfers to fill immediate needs. It gives the program stability.
This year's class is ranked 9th and 10th by Rivals and Scout respectively. Oregon's best class prior to this one was 2007, which produced 15 eventual starters.
No one knows if the enormous potential of the 2011 class will be realized. The verdict won't be reached for another three years. They could all turn out to be disappointments of Kevin Willhite proportions, but that's unlikely. Oregon's player evaluations are much more thorough under Chip Kelly. They talk to coaches, teachers, and janitors, and do a painstaking job of finding kids with not only athletic potential, but character and a winning attitude. The Ducks get young men who belong here and strive to fit in. They get athletes who are committed to getting better. The work ethic in the Oregon program is exceptional, and that breeds authentic confidence and genuine pride.
Oregon rose to the top of the national rankings with football recruiting classes ranked 49th and 32nd in the country. The last two were rated tenth and ninth. Chip Kelly and his staff have amped up the speed, agility and expectations, with no sacrifice of quality or integrity. And because of the stability and continuity in the program, this latest group will have the time needed to grow and develop, surrounded by outstanding examples.
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