Congrats to the staff

[StevensTechU]

I've followed recruiting for enough time now that I know it takes a lot of things coming together to put together a great class, and sometimes even when you do a lot of things right, you may still have a rough time. I just want to point a few things out.

This staff had a plan.

In anticipation of the first year ever with an early signing period, the staff got on guys who they liked early on. The amount of players making visits as sophomores and juniors, paying their own way, is higher than I've ever seen at UofO. That meant hitting the phone lines and the tarmac to express interest to guys to convince them it was worth the trip. The use of "Saturday Night Live" was fantastic in helping here.

Added value to the brand. Oregon has been a hot brand for a while, but Cristobal has gotten buy in from his staff to depict this staff as a positive, upbeat bunch that's as fun to be around as any in the country. They then supported that by adding graphic designers and social media strategists to communicate that out in a way that the audience (recruits) respond to. Well done.

I don't expect to have a top 5 class every year. USC and UCLA are a mess right now and that can't be ignored. At the same time, Oregon isn't coming off an all-time great season and the in-state talent wasn't there this year, so there could be some upside down the road. But just in terms of seeing the big picture, having a plan, and putting that plan to action, I'm very happy where how Cristobal and staff did this year.

[TualatinDuck]

I agree, they did a fantastic job and it really feels like the crap show of the last couple years is turning a corner.

[UOducksTK1]

Yup well done. We have so many talented pieces to play with in the coming years, especially on defense.

[Merganzer]

Very well said, STU, You're absolutely right that they had a plan, and they made it happen. Chip never really bought in to recruiting, certainly not to where he would establish a plan. Helfrich simply bought in to the, "Can't recruit to Oregon" narrative, and to some extent used it as an excuse to not spend energy on recruiting.

[UofDuck]

When someone is successful in one venture, they're often successful in others. Talent in leadership, logical thinking, planning, strategy, passion, mannerisms, decision making, etc are generally constants found in successful people. I'd like to think the attributes that make Mario a great recruiter will also make him a hell of a football CEO. It might take a little time for him to get his arms around everything, but I think (hope) he just might have a chance to become iconic.

[pezsez1]

I'd still like to see more imaginative playcalling... but overall, I can see what this staff is working toward, and I really do like it. This class isn't just an incredible influx of talent, but Mario seemed to get many of the guys he'd originally wanted -- a departure from recent years, when we've seemed to whiff on crucial targets, without backups, and end up with players who don't excel in our systems.

Now it's a waiting game to see if Herbert comes back. If he does, look out! Next season could be special!

[greenyellow]

I think this class shows what happens when you finally get a stable coaching situation and a staff that can flat out recruit in a clean manner. You never once heard a bad word about Oregon's coaches on the recruiting trail from parents, coaches, and recruits.

[Duck07]

This also lets next years class know that the coaches are capable of bringing in the best players to. Next up DJ U!

[Phenom]

One thing that cannot be overlooked is that almost every single recruit that we targetted (including the ones we didn't get) would say that our staff was the one that recruited them the hardest. They worked their ass off and it showed. Thank you for believing in Oregon football, coaches, players, and recruits.

[gogreen55]

Recent years have forever erased any excuses when it comes to recruiting to Oregon. Men's basketball, women's basketball, track, softball, volleyball, etc. All of these sports have managed to land elite recruiting classes. Now we can add football to the list. I still don't know if Mario can actually coach at a championship level, but he continues to impress in every other aspect of the job.

[Merganzer]

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[OregonFan4Life]

Best part is I don’t think this staff is done yet, I truly believe they have a legit chance at Steele and Sopsher and no doubt they’ll continue to recruit hard to finish strong.


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[Alan]

I love this staff and the excitement they brought back to Oregon football! Just a simple congrats and a excellent job in your first year recruiting as a team!

[Duckenstein]

One thing that cannot be overlooked is that almost every single recruit that we targetted (including the ones we didn't get) would say that our staff was the one that recruited them the hardest. They worked their ass off and it showed. Thank you for believing in Oregon football, coaches, players, and recruits.

Yes spot on.

They got their guys.

In the PC, Mario was extremely excited about Townsend, KT, Wright, Jonah and some other guys.

They love this class.

[maxduck]

I think this quote from Jalen Jelks says a lot.

“I love this team, I haven’t been around a program like this,” Jelks said. “The way the coaches are and the future, it is great. Of course I’d come back if I could.”

There will be a learning curve and growing pains but if Duck fans are patient I believe the future is very bright.