Nation's No. 6 running back visiting Oregon this weekend; Ducks emerging as top contender

Oregon may emerge as the team-to-beat for a top running back this weekend

The Oregon Ducks are hosting a big collection of top recruits this weekend for the game against Colorado and Deion Sanders.

So, Oregon fans should expect some movement on the recruiting trail.

Over the past few months, one of the most interesting recruitments to watch has been that of O'Dea (Washington) four-star ball-carrier Jason Brown, the nation's No. 6 running back and All-American Bowl selection. 

Throughout much of the summer, the Michigan State Spartans were widely viewed as the favorite to land the coveted back ahead of fellow finalists Oregon and Washington, as well as early contenders such as Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Penn State, Texas, USC and others.

In fact, the Spartans are still listed as a 91.5 percent favorite by On3. 

But given that Michigan State is reportedly set on firing Mel Tucker in the wake of sexual harassment allegations, the situation has grown increasingly complicated.

And that may kick the door wide open for Oregon in Brown's recruitment.

This weekend, the Northwest star will be making a return trip to Eugene and there's growing buzz that the Ducks are quickly establishing themselves as the team-to-beat.

In recent years, Oregon has become a power player in the recruitment of top Washington prospects - and the class of 2024 is no exception.

Lanning has already secured commitments from Yelm All-American linebacker Brayden Platt and Evergreen four-star offensive tackle Fox Crader, both of whom are scheduled to be in Eugene this weekend.

Could he pull off another big Washington recruiting win?

This weekend's visit from Brown certainly seems to stack things up nicely in Oregon's favor.

It's definitely a recruitment to monitor closely.

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."