Mario Cristobal turning Oregon Football into national power, NFL pipeline
Recruiting power
Oregon has always been able to land big recruits, but Mario Cristobal is truly adding some elite players. Landing Thibodeaux in 2019 was huge, but his 2020 and 2021 classes also feature some promising talents. Oregon’s 2019, 2020, and 2021 recruiting classes all rank first in the PAC-12.
The 2020 class features three defensive five stars that look to be immediate impact players. Cornerback Dontae Manning may have to wait until 2021 to see real time on the field as Oregon has one of the best secondaries in the country. However, the two linebacker commits are the real prize. Five star linebacker Justin Flowe is an 225 pound bullet who makes plays all over the field and splits time as a running back to showcase his athleticism. Noah Sewell, brother of Penei, is a 266 pound thumper who delivers punishing blows. Sewell also plays running back and looks like Derrick Henry against these high school kids.
Cristobal has also addressed the quarterback position in preparation for Justin Herbert’s departure. The Ducks were blessed with a 6-6 athletic quarterback with a rocket arm being born and raised in Eugene, Oregon. Now he’s on to the NFL and Cristobal has a good group of quarterbacks competing to take the mantle. 2018 three star Cole Millen has been on the roster the longest.
The Ducks added three quarterbacks in 2020. Should there be a 2020 season, Boston College transfer Anthony Brown looks to be the likely starting. They are also bringing in two four star quarterbacks with contrasting styles. 6-6 Jay Butterfield is accurate and a prototypical pocket passer. Robby Ashford is an athletic player who is an absolute weapon. The Ducks also have a four star quarterback committed in 2021. Cristobal has made a commitment to finding his next great quarterback.
While the 2021 class is incomplete, it is elite. It ranks number five in the nation and number one in the conference. The Ducks have ten four star players committed for 2021 as they look to reload a roster that will be sending a heavy amount of players into the NFL in 2021 and 2022. The prize of the class is five star wide receiver Troy Franklin, who is the third ranked receiver in the country.