CLASS IMPACT: Da'Jaun Riggs Commits to Oregon

Breaking down Oregon's latest commitment in the 2024 recruiting class.

The Oregon Ducks landed a big commitment on Monday in Washington, D.C. native Da'Jaun Riggs.

He's the 18th player to join the Ducks in 2024 and the first running back for coach Carlos Locklyn.

We're breaking this commitment down from all angles.

Recruiting Impact

Running back was the only position the Ducks didn't have a commitment from on offense in 2024, so it's great to check that box. There's definitely a need seeing that Bucky Irving is a near lock to head to the NFL after next season. They might need another back just in case Noah Whittington opts for the NFL Draft as well.

This is another statement win on the recruiting trail for Oregon, as going across the country to land a coveted recruit is never easy. Riggs is the fourth high school back Locklyn has landed in his short time with the Ducks and he's another example of his elite ability to build relationships.

The Ducks continue to stack momentum on the recruiting trail to kick off the month of July after landing JacQawn McRoy on Saturday. Nate Frazier is now the undeniable top priority at the position and the Ducks are battling Georgia hard in that recruitment.

Evaluation 

Riggs has a great frame for college football at 5'10", 199 pounds. He's got room to add weight but already has great burst out of the backfield on various types of runs, whether it's a dive, counter, or trap. You name it, he can get it done.

The newest Duck also has solid top-end speed, which is showcased numerous times on tape with long touchdown runs. Riggs has strong agility that helps him change direction and evade would-be tackles while putting together flashy runs. 

His physical running style shows that he's not afraid of contact and he also has a stiff arm that he's not afraid to use when the situation calls for it. He's got great lower body strength that helps him plow through defenders, shed contact and his body control helps him stay upright when he's looking for the hole in tight and crowded spaces.

If I had to compare him to another former running back I see some Royce Freeman and CJ Verdell in his game.

Outlook at Oregon

Like just about every running back that's committed to Oregon, Riggs will enter a crowded room. However, there could be a good opportunity for some snaps depending on the departure of upperclassmen Bucky Irving and Noah Whittington.

He's got the frame for college ball and is certainly physical enough. Carlos Locklyn wasn't afraid to deploy Jordan James during his true freshman season in 2022, but he'll have to compete with Dante Dowdell and Jayden Limar, who will have already had a full college season with the Ducks under their belts by the time he arrives.

Riggs doesn't plan to enroll early, which could lower his chances of seeing the field early. But at the end of the day, it's more common for running backs to play early compared to some other positions.

I think he fits the Locklyn running back mold and I really like this pickup for the Ducks. I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being a commitment that flies under the radar a bit due to his three-star rating, but Locklyn has shown us he can coach and develop with the best of 'em.