Oregon Commit Dakoda Fields Talks All-American Selection, What's Next

The future is bright in Oregon's secondary with another long, fast and athletic cornerback heading to Eugene.

Last week I got to hit the road and head out to Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, California to see Oregon Ducks cornerback commit Dakoda Fields receive his Adidas All-American jersey. 

I had the chance to speak with the future Duck about what it meant to earn All-American distinction.

"It's just a blessing. I just thank God. I'm lost for words to be honest," Fields said after the ceremony." Committing to my dream school, going to play for Dan Lanning. I think I'm just that much closer to achieving my dream of going to the NFL. I'm ready to put the work in and be the best player that I can be."

The Serra Cavaliers went 9-4 this year and saw their season come to an end with a 28-20 playoff loss to the Servite Friars. Fields reflected on his last ride under the Friday night lights.

"We didn't get the outcome we wanted to. I could have had two rings going out of high school," he said. "But I'm still just proud of my teammates, proud to be a Serra All-American and just be the best player I can be."

The 6-foot-2 cornerback had the chance to see a couple of his future coaches in person last week when head coach Dan Lanning and cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin made the trip to Southern California. 

"It's been a minute since I'd seen them," he said of the visit. "We just talked about all the things they're going to get me to do when I get up there. Just to prepare me to get ready for summer ball."

Fields said he plans to enroll on January 8 after playing in the Adidas All-American Bowl. But it wasn't a decision that he made lightly, as he'll wrap up his high school career before most kids do to head to college.

"In the beginning it was like I don't know I might want to finish my high school career with all my friends. But I just had to make a business decision. Football was the thing that I wanted to do and I just think that was the best decision for me."

When he arrives in Eugene he'll reunite with some of his best friends from Southern California: players like former Serra cornerback Rodrick Pleasant and former Long Beach Poly defensive back Daylen Austin.

"I'm just ready to win with them," Fields said. "Ready to celebrate the best moments of our lives."

Fields made a name for himself as one of the best defensive backs in the country during his high school career, but there's more for fans to know about him than just his play on the gridiron.

"I'm just a strong individual," he said. "I don't talk a lot but I could show a lot."

The Southern California standout is ready to compete against the best talent the country has to offer when he gets to the Lone Star State next month.

"I'm excited. Haven't been able to play against a lot of guys out of state so I'm ready to see what they're about."

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