In recent years, there’s been loads of blue-chip talent commit to the Oregon Ducks and live up to expectations. Name a Duck that excelled on the field, and he probably fits into that category, transfers aside. But not all have developed in the way that they’d have hoped — at least not yet.CBS Sports provided grades on all 32 five-stars from the 2024 recruiting class, with three current Oregon players appearing on the list.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere was a lot of excitement when edge rusher Elijah Rushing pledged his word to the Ducks, as he was the consensus top-ranked player in the state of Arizona and the 26th-ranked player in the class. With his massive 6-foot-6, 275-pound frame, sacks appeared to be on the docket for Rushing.Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case through two seasons. Rushing appeared in four games as a true freshman, utilizing a redshirt, before totaling just three tackles in 2025. CBS Sports’ verdict for Rushing was listed as “In Question.””Developing behind one of college football’s most talented front sevens over the past two seasons, Rushing has logged fewer than 100 defensive snaps during his career at Oregon,” CBS Sports’ Cooper Petagna wrote. “The 6-6, 275-pounder has spent much of that time adding needed weight to his frame while adjusting to the urgency and physicality required to compete at a high level. The physical tools remain, but the clock is ticking for Rushing to turn his potential into production.”Rushing’s development may have been stunted by the ultra-talented front four for the Ducks, but players such as Blake Purchase and Nasir Wyatt have cracked the rotation, while the former five-star has not.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe next Oregon five-star that appeared on the list was given a true “In Question” verdict, as wide receiver Gatlin Bair has yet to suit up for a single snap for the Ducks while on his LDS mission.”After returning from a two-year LDS mission, Bair will resume his college career with the Ducks this fall,” Petagna wrote. “The former five-star prospect will likely need time to shake off the rust, but his elite speed could make it difficult for Dan Lanning to keep him off the field. Bair, who set the Idaho state record in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.15 seconds, has the type of game-breaking speed that can create an immediate impact.”Oregon’s wide receiver room is well-stocked entering this fall, with Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart and Jeremiah McClellan all seemingly coming ahead of Bair on the depth chart. Tight end Jamari Johnson and running back Dierre Hill Jr. will also eat up plenty of targets. As a result, there’s a likelihood that the 2027 campaign, which would be Bair’s second in college football, could serve as his true breakout season.Transfer quarterback Dylan Raiola, who began his career with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, is the third Duck on the list.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe was the seventh-highest rated recruit in the class,
Content Source: Yahoo News
Image Credit: Getty Images
All rights to the news content and images belong to their respective copyright owners.