Oregon Football Recruiting Notebook: August 30, 2023

Recruiting predictions, top target closing in on a decision and more headline today's notebook.

With all the attention on the season-opener against Portland State this weekend, it may look on the the surface like a quiet time for Oregon on the recruiting trail. But that's not the case, as Dan Lanning and the Ducks continue to work behind the scenes.

Here are some of the top storylines relating to the Ducks on the recruiting trail.

Oregon continues surging for 2024 LB

Brayden Platt is ranked the No. 3 prospect in Washington and the No. 15 linebacker for the 2024 cycle according to the 247Sports Composite :: Max Torres/Ducks Digest

Since I made my pick back in July, the Ducks continue to trend as the heavy favorites for 2024 Yelm (Wash.) linebacker Brayden Platt. I wasn't the first to make this pick, but 247's Steve Wiltfong and Brandon Huffman have hopped on board with their predictions, which I think is notable, as they're two of the most respected names that cover recruiting.

Platt is set to announce his commitment next week on September 4 and I'm only feeling more confident as the day gets closer.

Running back trending to the Ducks?

Jason Brown Jr. is the No. 2 prospect in Washington and the No. 11 running back in the country according to the 247Sports Composite :: Max Torres/Ducks Digest

I logged my prediction for Oregon to land Seattle (Wash.) O'Dea runnign back Jason Brown Jr. earlier this week after he announced a top three of Oregon, Michigan State and Washington. 

I don't think Washington is a true contender here, which makes this an Oregon vs. Michigan State battle. I'm not wavering on my pick, but I do have some additional thoughts. 

With Da'Jaun Riggs already in the fold, Carlos Locklyn is still working on filling out his backfield for 2024. Bucky Irving is a sure thing to leave Oregon after 2023 and I'm of the belief Noah Whittington will do the same. 

Jordan James, Dante Dowdell and Jayden Limar should all be back in 2024, but this may be a question of whether the Ducks want to take another prep back or wait and see what options arise in the transfer portal after this season. I think James will be in a great spot to be RB1 in 2024, but the staff may prefer a more experienced and productive option. 

There's some Michigan State crystal ball predictions, but I think the Ducks lead. I'll reevaluate my prediction as we get closer to a decision. 

Former Duck commit learns fate in starting QB battle

Dante Moore flipped his commitment from Oregon to UCLA following the departure of then offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham / Dante Moore on Instagram (@dantemoore05)

On Monday UCLA head coach Chip Kelly named Ethan Garbers redshirt junior the Bruins' starting quarterback for the season-opener against Coastal Carolina. This was a bit of surprise with former Oregon commit Dante Moore generating some buzz in Westwood, however Kelly isn't typically the type of coach to go with youth over experience. 

I for one was hoping to see Moore start, because the dude can flat out play. I was blown away when I saw him make play after play in San Antonio during the Adidas All-American Bowl, but maybe he can take over at some point this year.

The Bruins also have Kent State transfer Colin Schlee, Justyn Martin and Chase Griffin in a crowded room, but I doubt Moore waiting in the wings was in the cards when he flipped his commitment.

Elite 2025 WR Places Oregon in Top Schools

Marcus Harris lays out for a touchdown against Bishop Gorman in 2022 / Marcus Harris

On Tuesday Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star wide receiver Marcus Harris placed Oregon in his top 12 schools. 12 is a big number, which means there's still a ways to go here, but I really like what I've seen from Harris.

I've been able to see him in person a number of times since I moved to Southern California and he's a very fun watch. He has a good release off the line of scrimmage, great hands and excels at tracking the ball through contact. Oregon is up against some big schools like Georgia, Texas and Tennesse, but they have good momentum on the trail at his position. 

Dallas Wilson and Adrian Wilson are already verbally committed, and it's a guarantee other schools will push hard to flip them and continue recruiting them. Wide receiver recruiting here in 2024 hasn't exactly gone according to plan, but there's still some good time before the early signing period for Oregon to try and reel in another elite pass catcher. 

Either way, making a good early impression and continuing to push hard for elite wide receivers in 2025 has to be a priority. 

READ MORE: CFB analyst projects Oregon to win Pac-12, return to playoff in 2023