Ducks Digest

Tight End Jackson Ford Breaks Down Oregon Commitment

Oregon adds an intriguing tight end to their 2024 recruiting class.

Max Torres

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The Ducks stayed hot on the recruiting trail on Thursday, landing a commitment from 6-foot-6, 242-pound tight end Jackson Ford from Melissa (Tex.) High School.

Dan Lanning's newest pledge broke down his decision with Ducks Digest.

"I grew up an Oregon fan. I always watched their games. Me and my brother dreamed of playing there," Ford said. "All the coaches are super down to earth. End the day, you're not going to be a number there. It's a brotherhood there. It's a family and that's what's most important to me."

Ford chose to make his commitment following his second trip to Eugene in 2023 and Drew Mehringer played a big role.

"I kind of wanted to take my time," he said about the timing of his commitment. " I didn't get to see Coach Mehringer last time I was out there. This past visit kind of gave me an opportunity to see more of the campus and talk to Coach Mehringer a little bit more."

Ford holds 13 reported scholarship offers but one other school was a main contender. 

"Boise State was high on my list. That's a great coaching staff. They're again, an incredible family environment. At the end of the day Oregon's been my dream school since I was little and Boise was recruiting me for D-line when Oregon's recruiting me for tight end, so it kind of came down to that decision as well."

The Texas standout has played all over the field during his high school career, even playing quarterback before switching to focus on tight end and defensive line.

"I got a couple of looks at tight end last year, not as much as I wanted to," Ford said. "But I mean me and my coaches are planning--I'm playing both ways, full time. So I'm excited for that and to see how I can develop next year."

Ford spoke is excited about Dan Lanning's vision and what he's building at Oregon.

"He kind of told me a lot about the program and about how he recruits and the kind of kids he wants in his program. He's gonna make sure that every kid on the team is gonna feel loved. And I saw how he interacted with all of his players, the players love him. As soon as he walks into a room everyone gets hyped."

Drew Mehringer has helped the tight ends thrive at Oregon and the two have built a strong connection.

"(He's) Very low key but he knows his stuff. Probably one of the best tight end coaches there is and just coaches in general. He's been keeping in touch with me these past couple of months and I got to see how he interacted with his players and how he got to coach them. He's a great guy, great coach and I can't wait to work with him."

Even though he was just in Eugene, Ford is already planning return trips.

"Yeah so I asked to go on an official June 16-18 so hopefully we can get that figured out. But definitely take a couple of trips out there in the summer. Keep that relationship with them, build it. Get to see some of the other guys who are committed, being able to hang out with them and build a relationship with them as well."

Oregon's newest commit plans to graduate in December and enroll early in January, but between now and then he has a couple of names he wants to recruit for the Ducks.

"Nigel Smith of course. He's like my best friend at Melissa. Five-star D- lineman, so that'd be a great addition. Recruit him pretty hard so hopefully I can get him to hop on the train.

"Both times I was out there at Oregon, Luke Moga, quarterback out of Arizona, he's a super nice kid. I don't know too much about him, but hopefully I can stay in touch with and hopefully we can get him on that train as well."

He wrapped up the interview with a message to Oregon fans.

"All I can say is I'm just excited to be a Duck. It's a dream come true. I can't wait to get to work and score some touchdowns for 'em."

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Max Torres
MAX TORRES

Max Torres is the publisher and lead editor of Ducks Digest. He's covered the Oregon football and recruiting beats for four years. He's based out of Long Beach, CA and travels around Southern California and the country covering top high school football prospects.

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