After finishing the 2019 recruiting cycle with the No. 1 class in the Pac-12 Conference for the first time in program history, the Oregon Ducks are looking to finish atop the league standings in back-to-back seasons.
Currently sitting in pole position, Oregon still was work to do to complete its 2020 recruiting class and remains in the mix for several high-caliber prospects, including five-star wide receiver Johnny Wilson and Utah prospect Noah Sewell, the nation’s No. 2 inside linebacker.
On Sunday, Mario Cristobal and his coaching staff took a step forward with another bluechip prospect, as 247Sports four-star defensive end Jason Harris cut his list to a final six.
The 6-foot-7, 220-pound defensive lineman, out of Gilbert, Arizona, trimmed his suitors down to Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon, Texas A&M and UCLA:
TOP 6!💫 pic.twitter.com/3Kb3IFEWFB
— Jason Harris (@JSH8_8) July 21, 2019
But the Ducks’ inclusion isn’t just good news for Cristobal.
It is also a significant development for Dana Altman’s basketball program.
Harris, a top-150 national football prospect, is rated as the nation’s No. 10 power forward and No. 81 recruit nationally on the hardwood.
That makes Oregon, a school with strong showings in both sports in recent years, an intriguing potential landing spot.
“They are both two really great programs, coached by really great programs,” he said. “They are on the come-up in both programs, I think. They’ve been great over the years, but have a chance to get even better.”
While Harris will be one to watch for both program, he is also strongly considering the idea of playing for the in-state Wildcats.
“They’ll have a really big year coming up," Harris said. “They have some excellent players offensively and defensively. Once they put it together they’ll be really good.”
Despite a higher ranking in hoops, he intends to focus on football as a freshman.
At least, that’s his current plan.
“For right now, I’ll probably focus on football the first year,” Harris said. “But I haven’t made a decision yet. I have a love for both. I need to put on some good weight and muscle in football in I’m going to last. Because everybody is big. High school is one thing, but college football is a whole other thing. I’ve got to focus up and get my body right."
Football highlights
Basketball highlights
-- Andrew Nemec