Dan Lanning Urges Fans to Join Recruiting Effort Ahead of Oregon's Spring Game

Oregon's coaching staff hopes to leverage weather and an electric Autzen atmosphere in their efforts to recruit top high school talent.

With Oregon's spring football game set for Saturday, head coach Dan Lanning spoke with the media one final time on Tuesday before fans get their first glimpse of what's in store for the 2023 season.

Lanning stressed the importance of a good showing from the crowd during the spring game, referencing how it will impact the Ducks’ ability to recruit.

“Everybody here at Oregon needs to realize that they have an impact,” Lanning said on the involvement of fans. “We’re gonna have great players here on campus, but they [the fans] have an impact for what the experience looks like. They can help create that experience from a fan standpoint, from an administrative standpoint, from our staff standpoint. Making that experience really unique and special for the guys that we have here on campus.”

With Lanning putting the onus on fans to bring their A-game to the bleachers, it's clear that he and the rest of the coaching staff have big goals for the 2024 recruiting class.

Five-star recruits like edge rushers Colin Simmons and Dylan Stewart, as well as Oregon legacy offensive tackle Brandon Baker litter a historic recruiting visitor list. The Ducks have some tangible recruiting momentum heading into the weekend after landing a trio of commitments earlier this month, headlined by Texas safety Aaron Flowers, who will be in town this weekend. 

Oregon's head coach made it clear that although the weekend could end up resulting in new commitments for the No. 14-ranked recruiting class, he doesn't feel any pressure to recruit, in part because of the brand that already exists within his program.

“We're not used car salesmen, it's not a sales pitch for us,” Lanning said when asked how he'll define recruiting success after this weekend. “Guys are going to jump on board when they are ready to jump on board. Everything matters. This weekend could certainly impact that. We're not trying to trick guys to come to our campus. When they're ready to be Ducks, we're excited about it. Does it mean we get a commitment? Very well could. Does it mean we might not? That's okay.”

Lanning continued, stating that “It’s a long steady race. It’s about the overall experience for our guys, the overall relationships and connection that's built. And then them seeing a product that they can be proud of and want to be a part of.”

With action certain to take place on the field, keep an eye on the sidelines, where the next crop of potential Oregon playmakers will be weighing their futures. 

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