Ducks have some serious momentum going with the #1 overall player in the country Kayvon Thibedeaux. The last several "expert" picks on the 247 network have all been for Oregon. From Brandon Huffman and Greg Biggins, the 2 leading west coast recruiting gurus:
"I had stuck with Florida State for some time, largely because the Seminoles seemed like the most likely destination and when I visited with Thibodeaux at his school in late August and watched him play in the season opener, the Noles were who he raved about and his visit there was shortly after. Fast forward a couple months, and much of the buzz following the Oregon visit was about the Ducks. But then the glow didn't fade (as it often does after official visits). Talking with sources at Oaks Christian and close to Thibodeaux, the Ducks are still very much a prominent factor in his recruitment and the glow from the trip hasn't waned. As it gets closer to his decision, the 'Noles still stand in a good spot but much of the feeling is that Oregon will end up landing Thibodeaux. Its close to home, but not too close, he'll be able to play right away and that's not even taking in to account his desire to go into sports broadcasting following his career, and several Oregon alums are in the media now. All of those factors pushed me to make the switch in the Crystal Ball over the weekend." Brandon Huffman, 247Sports
"Although my crystal ball forecast is still on Florida State, I'm very close to moving it over to Oregon. The Ducks made a huge move following their official visit last month but the thought was, once the post-visit buzz wore off, Oregon would fade a bit. The buzz is gone but Oregon is still high on his list for several reasons. His relationship with the Ducks coaching staff is extremely strong. Thibodeaux has known Keith Heyward since middle school, is close with Donte Williams, Cort Dennison and Marcus Arroyo and loves DL coach Joe Salave'a. Early on, the feeling was Alabama and Florida State had the bigger name and brand that Thibodeaux was looking for and would create a bigger stage for him to shine on. We have heard that's no longer an issue and Thibodeaux feels wherever he goes, he'll bring the buzz with him. Thibodeaux is confident he can step in and play early no matter where he goes but could have an immediate impact at Oregon and start from day one. He's also excited by the incoming recruiting class Oregon is bringing in and feels the program has a chance to win at a high level in the coming years." Greg Biggins, 247Sports