Jay Harris commits to Oregon, All-American running back hints at more commitments incoming
The Oregon Ducks hosted several top transfer portal targets over the weekend, and it sounds as though it has all the makings of a memorable recruiting effort.
On Monday, the first domino fell, as Northwest Missouri State sophomore running back Jay Harris committed to Oregon.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound ball-carrier, who has three years to play two, was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award - Division 2's "Heisman Trophy" - after carrying the ball 244 times for 1,433 yards and 14 touchdowns (5.9 yards per carry).
For Harris, the weekend visit was an eye-opener that propelled the Ducks ahead of interested parties such as Florida, Missouri, Nebraska and others.
"My visit was amazing," he said. "As soon as I touched down I felt like I was home. The facilities were like no other. It felt like home.”
“It was pretty amazing. I was definitely surprised about some stars, like Dante Moore, and some of the other guys they brought in (to visit). We can spark a flame offensively and defensively. They go out and find dogs.”
One of the more appealing aspects of Oregon's offense is the chance to maximize his reps.
Harris is enamored with the idea of playing alongside fellow backs Noah Whittington and Jordan James.
“I’m looking forward to that (usage)," he said. "I like us being a three-headed master - me, Jordan and Noah. I’m coming in to help replace Bucky. We’re different, but there’s not much changing to the running back room with me coming in.”
Harris also heavily implied that more commitments were going to be announced soon - maybe even a big boost to the offense.
“We got some pretty good guys coming in," he said, knowingly.
Dan Lanning's coaching staff hasn't been shy about bringing in portal talent, and that has led to major success stories, like quarterback Bo Nix, running back Bucky Irving, wide receiver Tez Johnson and cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
Given that the Ducks have already added Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel along with Harris, it sound like more success stories could soon be written in Eugene.
