Oregon Turning up the Heat in Pursuit of LSU Commit Daylen Austin

The Ducks are making a strong push to flip one of the top defensive backs in the country.

Oregon is full steam ahead on the recruiting trail with the early signing period just a little over a month way. They hosted one of their top targets, LSU cornerback commit Daylen Austin, on an unofficial visit this past weekend for the Washington game. 

It was his second trip of the season after visiting for the Stanford game.

LSU commit Daylen Austin (left) with 2024 Gardena (Calif.) Serra Dakoda Fields (right) during the Washington game :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

"It was more so like a last-minute trip," he told Ducks Digest. He packed his bags and caught a 5 a.m. flight on Saturday to make the game. "Coach Lanning, Coach (Rashad) Wadood, Tosh Lupoi, they've all been talking to me throughout these past few weeks."

At this point, Austin is very familiar with the Ducks. So what was different this trip?

"Nothing really different. It's the same school," he said. "I'd say they were pushing for me more because the season ended."

READ MORE: Elijah Rushing breaks down Oregon visit

Dan Lanning's genuine approach is resonating with him.

"Coach Lanning, he's a real guy. I could call him whenever, I could FaceTime him and he'll pick up, so I like that about them too."

The coaches aren't the only ones recruiting him heavily. The Southern California standout is also hearing from one of Oregon's top commits.

"Yeah Cole (Martin) was trying to tell me that Oregon was home. He was sitting next to me during the game," Austin said. "I'm listening to him a little bit. I'm just listening to what he has to say, what he's taking from it."

The talented defensive back has been committed to LSU since May and spoke about the Tigers as well as his commitment.

"Everyone was worried that Brian Kelly wasn't going to be able to win, turn LSU around. But we're back," he said. "The big win vs. Bama, Ole Miss and then Arkansas this past weekend. We're doing great."

"I'm still strong on my LSU commitment. I'm taking visits just to get the full high school experience. My brother committed early and he regretted that he didn't get to take all his official visits."

READ MORE: Oregon vs. Utah score predictions

Now that his senior season is wrapped up, he'll dedicate his time to the track and his recruitment.

"It's gonna be mainly track. I'd say 70-30 track and then recruitment."

He's taken two official visits thus far--one to LSU and one to Michigan State. This weekend he'll head back to East Lansing for an unofficial. 

"Mel Tucker's like family. He's always been real since the day he started recruiting me," he said of the Spartans head coach. "I was talking to him more so than the position coach, so that's really big. He's close with my uncle Willie McGinest, so that's a big part of it too."

With two official visits already in the books, he's planning to take his remaining three in December, one of which will likely be to Oregon.

There's a core group of schools that have been recruiting him the hardest, spanning from coast to coast.

"LSU, Michigan State, Miami, USC and Oregon."

The Hurricanes have picked up communication since landing Cormani McClain at the end of October.

"They're a school who died down a little bit and then came back up once they got a big corner commit. They were really pushing, 'We need both guys on the island. So why don't we get two of the top corners?' "

Austin has a relationship with Mario Cristobal from his time at Oregon as well as with Jahmile Addae after campign at the University of Georgia. 

Closer to home, Lincoln Riley has prioritized Southern California since being hired. What's his pitch with the Trojans?

"That I don't need to leave California to play college football. That's their big saying," Austin said. "I got a good relationship with Donte (Williams) that everybody knows. Coach Riley and Coach (Alex) Grinch. I haven't took a visit up there in a minute but I'm still in contact with them. Just chopping it up, having regular conversations."

Schools are pushing for him to sign early, but he's adamant that he wants to sign when it's right for him.

"It's some schools trying to push me to sign in December, but I look at that time as my crucial track time. I'm really focused on track," he said. "When it's track season I'm a track person. Football doesn't even matter at that point. Just trying to stay focused on track so I plan on signing in February."

READ MORE: Bo Nix 'Preparing as if he can go' ahead of Utah

Join the Community

Follow Max on Twitter: @mtorressports

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to have the latest Oregon Ducks news sent directly to your inbox

Join the discussion on our forums HERE