Decision on Deck for 5-Star EDGE Elijah Rushing

One of Oregon's premier targets in the 2024 class is closing in on his college commitment.

There's a lot of talented recruits the Ducks are going after in the 2024 class. But some have been higher on Oregon's board for longer than others.

Tucson (Ariz.) Salpointe Catholic EDGE Elijah Rushing is arguably Oregon's top defensive target this cycle and now he's ready to make his decision. The No. 2-ranked player in Arizona will make his college commitment on July 6 and choose from a top four of Oregon, Arizona, Tennessee and Notre Dame.

Ducks Digest caught up with Rushing on the heels of his final official visit to Tennessee to get the latest in his recruitment.

Photoshoot part 2 pic.twitter.com/YPZxVGoljl

— Elijah Rushing (@elijah_rushing) June 25, 2023

"It was a really good trip," he said of his time in Knoxville. "The relationships stay strong with the coaches. It was just a good place to see."

He left SEC country with one main takeaway about the Vols.

"Just a good environment. Really just a good environment."

Marcus Freeman and the coaches in South Bend have the Irish in contention as Rushing approaches the finish line.

"They have really good people," he said about Notre Dame. "That's something that stood out to me when I went on my OV. Always know whenever I went there they just have great people and they have a family atmosphere that's unmatched."

The Arizona Wildcats have turned up the heat down the stretch, hosting the Tucson native on multiple unofficial visits throughout the year in addition to his official visit.

"I'd say just being a hometown hero plays a lot into it. They have great coaches, great teachers. Teachers that I got to see firsthand when I went up there for a lot of their spring. 

"The OV, it was just a great OV just to see more of Tucson that I haven't experienced. My brother's there, so it'd be a great opportunity to play with him."

Rushing's brother, Cruz Rushing was at one point committed to Oregon as a preferred walk-on in the 2022 class. However, after spending last season with the Gators in Gainesville, the defensive back has transferred back home and is ready to play for his home state.

Just how much weight does playing with his brother carry in his decision?

"Definitely a big factor with them," Rushing said. "Keeping the family together is kind of like a piece that I know my family wants--that they want to have and something that I value as well."

The 6-foot-5 edge rusher also took an official visit to Oregon this month and spoke about the impression the Ducks made on that trip.

"It was great. The coaching staff is amazing," he said. "The environment--it's just like really a good environment just for a player to be there. Just great conversations going back and forth and I have a strong relationship with them. It's been an overall great experience with Oregon."

Head Coach Dan Lanning and Defensive Coordinator Tosh Lupoi have been his lead recruiters from Oregon and he reflected on the conversations the three have had.

"It's really just like we can do special things at that place. With a head coach and their D-coordinator coaching that room, it's just something that's very special and unique to college football."

What will he be prioritizing as he goes to make his commitment?

"What's the best fit for me. And what's the best for the overall family," Rushing said.

Rushing heads into his decision with a humble mindset.

"I'm blessed to be in this position and I thank God for anything. All the people that have recruited me, it's been a great experience."

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