Tony Cumberland, nation's No. 2 defensive lineman, visiting Oregon Ducks for Colorado game

Desert Mountain (Arizona) elite sophomore Tony Cumberland visiting Oregon this weekend

The Oregon Ducks are set to host the Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday in arguably the biggest game of a "must-watch" weekend of college football match-ups.

And that means Dan Lanning and his coaching staff have a chance to capitalize on the recruiting trail.

One of the biggest (literally) visitors set to be in Eugene is Desert Mountain (Arizona) star Tony Cumberland, the nation's No. 11 overall prospect and No. 2 defensive lineman in the class of 2026.

For the 6-foot-4, 250-pound defender, it will be a return visit:

While it's early in his development, Desert Mountain coach Conrad Hamilton believes his young star has a chance to be special.

"It's hard to project but we think he could be at the top of the class (nationally) for 2026," Hamilton told AZCentral. "I think he could potentially be the top recruit in the country. I think he's a defensive lineman (for his future). We might put him at tight end this year in some packages. You've seen him play basketball. He's explosive. For his size, athletic, ball skills, knows how to use his hands. He's never really been in the weight room. So his upside and potential, I've never seen it before at this age, at this level."

Oregon is hosting more than two dozen elite prospects this weekend in the classes of 2024, 2025 and 2026.

And during a weekend full of headliner-type talent, it's clear Cumberland is a notable name.

Tony Cumberland highlights


Published
Andrew Nemec, SBLive Sports
ANDREW NEMEC, SBLIVE SPORTS

Andrew Nemec covers national high school recruiting and brings more than a decade of experience. Andrew hosts "Recruiting with Andrew Nemec" on ESPN-affiliate 1080 The FAN in Portland, Oregon. He holds a journalism degree from the University of Oregon.