Caleb Presley, nation's No. 9 cornerback, commits to Oregon Ducks, betting on coaching staff's national championship history
Rainier Beach High School (Washington) cornerback and All-American Bowl selection Caleb Presley accumulated nearly 30 scholarship offers during his recruiting process.
But the nation's No. 9 cornerback announced his future home Tuesday, committing to the Oregon Ducks over fellow finalists Alabama, Michigan State, Texas A&M, UCLA and Washington.
"I'm headed to Oregon," Presley said. "My reason for going is the coaching staff. They have a lot of potential. Coach (Dan) Lanning is coming off a national championship, coach Tosh (Lupoi) is coming out of the NFL and has won a national championship as well, and coach Demetrice Martin, me and him have had a relationship since he was at Colorado."
He is particularly close to Martin.
"Coach Meat, he's like an uncle to me," Presley said. "Since Day 1, we've never had any conflicts. We've shared the same interests. I want to help him and he wants to help me. I feel like going to a place like Oregon I can maximize my potential and showcase my talents."
While the relationships with the coaching staff were crucial, the dynamic defensive back said the decision of former Rainier Beach teammate Josh Conerly Jr. to choose Oregon set the table for his decision as well.
"Oh man, that was a big part," Presley said. "Me and Josh talked several times about the school and the good things they are doing there, and the potential things they offer to you as a player. I think Josh Conerly making that move made him the pioneer for me to come behind him and make my commitment."
The next step for Presley will be competing in his senior season and prepping for an early graduation.
"I'm going to be an early enrollee," he said. "By the time January rolls around I should be on campus with the team."
Presley is the 10th commitment in Oregon's 2023 recruiting, and is the fourth bluechip defensive back in the fold, joining Basha (Arizona) cornerback Cole Martin, Bishop Gorman (Nevada) safety Kodi Decambra and Brennan (Texas) safety Tyler Turner.
Junior season highlights
