Recruiting: 4 Oregon high school football prospects whose stock is rising
The two highest-rated prospects in the state of Oregon are already off the board in the class of 2024.
Lakeridge wide receiver/tight end Joey Olsen is headed to USC, while North Medford tight end A.J. Pugliano has chosen Oregon.
But there's a growing collection of talent listed behind that duo on recruiting sites that are beginning to make some serious noise.
Here's a look at four Oregon football prospects who are getting already getting (or deserve) more attention:
Jayden Fortier, tight end, Tualatin — The 6-foot-5, 200-pound tight end is rated the No. 4 prospect in the state of Oregon by 247Sports, but he's made a strong case to be considered for the top spot.
The jumbo pass-catcher has the size and athleticism combo of a modern tight end and has progressed well over the past year.
Given that Oregon (Pugliano) and Oregon State (Wyatt Hook) already have tight end pledges in the class of 2024, he may not quickly receive offers from either program.
But don't doubt his ability if those two in-state schools don't offer.
He's a legit Power 5 conference prospect and should generate a lot of buzz this spring and summer.
A.J. Noland, athlete, Tualatin —Another Tualatin Timberwolves star, A.J. Noland is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound safety who has seen his stock rise this winter.
The defensive back has recently picked up offers from Colorado State, Idaho, Nevada, Utah State and others and is continuing to generate increased buzz.
Will Power 5 programs come calling?
That's the next step, but we'll have to wait and see.
Elias Johnson, wide receiver/cornerback, Jesuit — Perhaps the most intriguing prospect in the state of Oregon, Elias Johnson is a 6-foot-3 cornerback who runs a 4.5 40 and only recently started playing football.
But don't let his lack of experience fool you.
Johnson has looked the part of an FBS cornerback this winter and is the state's safest best for "next prospect to pop" on the recruiting trail.
Don't take my word for it.
Here's former Oregon Ducks star Ifo Ekpre-Olomu on Johnson (via Twitter): "Speed, size, & confidence. 2 years into football and the growth is ridiculous to see. His mental is starting to catch up with his athletic ability!"
Long, fast, athletic cornerbacks are hard to come by and Johnson fits the bill
His stock could skyrocket if he continues to develop.
Wiley Donnerberg, athlete, West Linn — A prospect that has been on the radar since his freshman year, Wily Donnerberg is beginning to put all the pieces together to establish himself as a bonafide Division I prospect.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound wide receiver/tight end/outside linebacker recently picked up an offer from Nevada and was stellar in 7-on-7 action for Alpha Football down in Texas.
Donnerberg hasn't gotten the hype of Olsen, Pugliano and Fortier, but the gap between him and those three as a prospect is not as wide as the current recruiting rankings would indicate.
That's no knock on the other three.
Donnerberg can play!
