Oregon Ducks could make big push for elite running back this weekend: Analysis

Oregon appears to be zeroing in on a key running back target

The Oregon Ducks have a verbal commitment from St. John's (Washington D.C.) running back Da'Jaun Riggs and have been hard at work trying to add a second ball-carrier to their 2024 recruiting cycle.

For some time, that effort has centered on Mater Dei (California) five-star playmaker Nathaniel Frazier.

But as was the case with Oak Ridge (Texas) five-star linebacker Justin Williams, Georgia has quickly emerged as the team-to-beat and Oregon may be pivoting to its next target, or at least weighing its options.

In recent weeks, the Ducks have emerged as a major contender for O'Dea (Washington) four-star running back Jason Brown, the nation's No. 6 player at his position (No. 113 overall). 

Early in the 5-foo-10, 205-pound athlete's recruitment, the Washington Huskies looked like a massive contender, but the battle seems to now be centered on Michigan State and Oregon.

This weekend at Oregon's annual "Saturday Night Live" recruiting event, featuring dozens of Dan Lanning's top targets, the coaching staff will get an up-close look at Brown.

If that weekend turns out to be a hit, expect the Ducks to emerge as a heavy favorite for the Washington product.

In the 2024 recruiting cycle, Lanning and his staff have done an excellent job recruiting their neighbor to the North and appear to be the top contender for both Brown and All-American Yelm linebacker Brayden Platt. 

Here's what 247Sports had to say about Brown as a prospect:

"Brown is one of the premier playmakers in the state, regardless of class and while we loved him as a cornerback early in his career, it's clear that his future is at running back. It's also why he's among the most heavily recruited backs in the country. Brown has showed he hasn't lost a step as a defender. That said, he's a running back now and in the future and he runs with power, balance and tremendous vision. He's got some shiftiness to him but he's more of a one cut and go type of back, not wasting a lot of time making cuts and juking, but hitting the hole and breaking off runs. His field vision is some of the best we've seen from a back in the state, probably since former O'Dea star Myles Gaskin, the four-time 1000-yard rusher." 

Recruiting with Andrew Nemec full show (conference realignment; SNL key visitors and Washington pipeline) 

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