Prediction: Oregon to Land All-American Defensive Lineman

Dan Lanning and the Ducks have prioritized the trenches and it's paying off in a big way both on the field and on the recruiting trail.

Oregon recruiting is in a solid spot after landing a recent commitment from 2026 5-star Scottsdale (Ariz.) Desert Mountain defensive lineman Tony Cumberland, who plans to reclassify to 2025. 

More good news may be on the way soon, as College of San Mateo (Calif.) cornerback Sione Laulea III is set to make his college commitment on Sunday October 8. I have my pick on the Ducks.

Today, I'm ready to make a new prediction.

I'm predicting 2024 Fairfield (Calif.) Armijo defensive lineman Jericho Johnson to commit to Oregon.

Confidence level: 6.5/10

2024 4-star Fairfield (Calif.) Armijo defensive lineman Jericho Johnson on a recent unofficial visit to Oregon.  :: Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Explaining the pick

There's a lot to get into with this pick, and there's one thing I have to hit on off the top. Another top Oregon defensive line target, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei defensive lineman Aydin Breland, is set to commit on October 14, and it that has all the looks and feels of Georgia being the frontrunner. 

If he does in fact end head to Athens, that would make Johnson an even bigger priority for the Ducks. Dan Lanning has placed a premium on defensive line talent, signing ten (DL + EDGE) defensive linemen in 2023.

So far the Ducks have three committed in Jaxson Jones (AZ), Tione Gray (MO) and Xadavien Sims (OK). They'd love to add Johnson to the fold and give them another 300-pounder to line up alongside Gray and Sims, especially with all the veterans they're set to lose after this season.

If we're looking at Johnson's finalists: Oregon, USC, Utah and Washington, I really like where the Ducks stand. He was recently in Eugene to visit for the Colorado game and he got to witness a seven-sack performance from Oregon's defense. 

Oregon Continues to Prioritize 4-Star Jericho Johnson

Furthermore, he's already taken an official visit to Washington, which leaves USC, Utah and Oregon on the schedule. Based on the conversations I've had recently, Oregon is making it a priority to get the last official visit.

That's not locked in, but if it happens I think that only helps their chances, with Johnson set to go public with his decision during the early signing period in December. He's also a Bay Area native, and the Ducks have arguably the best  Northern California recruiters on their staff in Bay Area natives Tosh Lupoi (Walnut Creek) and Junior Adams (Fremont).

I'll admit, part of what's going into this prediction is my gut feel, and I'm betting that Lupoi can get it done. If there's anyone to bet on as a recruiter, I think he's got to be at the top of that list.

READ MORE: Max Torres' Oregon Recruiting Predictions

Also, Oregon has the best defense of any of his finalists and they're only going to get better. Looking at the current roster, you have multiple guys playing at a high level on the defensive line.

Brandon Dorlus, Popo Aumavae, Casey Rogers, Jordan Burch, Matayo Uiagalelei. Pick your poison. Oregon can pitch development at a higher level than any of the other schools and that's a big factor in his recruitment. DeForest Bucker, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Arik Armstead are all making noise in the NFL as well.

Dan Lanning is doing everything he can to build an elite defense and I think Johnson is a big part of his plans.

It's important to note there's still about two months to go in this recruitment and things can change, but I think Johnson ends up a Duck.

READ MORE: Kickoff time announced for No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 7 Washington