Matthew Johnson Breaks Down Oregon Commitment

"One of the main reasons I really like Oregon is just because I would get to play everywhere." Matt Johnson continues Oregon's pipeline to the Bay Area.

Oregon's 2025 recruiting class grew on Friday night, as Dan Lanning and the Ducks landed a commitment from Concord (Calif.) De La Salle EDGE Matthew Johnson. 

He spoke with Ducks Digest about why Oregon was the school for him, his fit in Eugene and much more.

Eugene!!! I’m home🦆🫣 https://t.co/iyB7KAo1f6

— Matt Johnson 2025 4 Star DL 6’5.5 270 (@Matt_John99) February 10, 2024

Johnson had 17 reported scholarship offers when he chose the green and yellow, but a couple of things but the Ducks over the top.

"It's a special place," he said. "Coach (Dan) Lanning, he knows how to win. Coach (Tosh) Lupoi knows how to win. They send guys to the League and they do great things for a lot of guys who want to put the work in and achieve their dreams. And I feel like I'm that type of person, so Oregon was the right place for me."

Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi is a De La Salle alumnus and made getting Johnson on board a major recruiting priority.

"Him and Coach (Tony) Tuioti have been up to my school about 10 times, so I'm really close with them and I like those guys. They keep it real, they coach hard, which is what I'm used to coming from De La Salle. I'm going there to continue to develop and be coached at the highest level." 

The newest Duck currently checks in at 6'5", 255-pounds, and will bring power and athleticism with him to Eugene. He offered more detail on how he fits into the defense.

"I'm gonna be playing end," Johnson said. "I'm gonna be playing their big end position. One of the main reasons I really like Oregon is just because I would get to play everywhere. So anywhere from the 3 all the way out to that big end they got. So I'm really looking forward to kind of feeling that out once I get there." 

He made his decision following a visit to Oregon last weekend, but says he knew he wanted to be a Duck for a while.

"It seemed almost meant to be because my Mom's husband lives out there like five minutes from Eugene. She's gonna move out there when I graduate and my whole thing was I kinda wanted to stay home. But this kind of works because I get to leave home but I also get to take a piece of home with me."

"And then also just everybody there--it's natural. Those guys keep it real and I just think that's the best place for me to go and level up my game again and hopefully play pro one day. Make it to the league is the goal. And I think that's a place where I have all the resources to do that."

The coveted defender is the first defensive commitment for the Ducks and he has one big player that he knows he wants with him in Eugene.

"Nasir Wyatt. He's a great player," Johnson said. "He's hella fast, great pass rusher and I'd love to play right by him."

A lot of people already know about the newest Duck, but in case you don't he broke down his game and what he brings to the table.

"I'm physical. I'm a pass rush first d-lineman and then whatever I work will work off of that move right there. I'm gonna impose my strength on guys first and then I'm gonna work out from there. I go both ways so I play 100 snaps a game every single game. I'm high energy. I'm running plays down. I'm going 110 no matter what. You never question that."

QUAAACK: Matthew Johnson Commits to Oregon

REPORT: Chip Kelly Leaving UCLA to Become OC at Ohio State

Oregon Staves off Washington’s Late Push in 85-80 Win