Last month, it seemed like a lock that consensus four-star prospect and Adidas All-American wide receiver Xavier Worthy would choose the Oregon Ducks.
But after delaying his scheduled June 27 announcement, it became all-but-inevitable that the California star was headed elsewhere.
On Friday, Worthy made it official, announcing his commitment to Michigan over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Oregon and others.
The 6-foot-1, 160-pound pass-catcher, out of Central East High School (Fresno, California), has seen his stock rise dramatically in recent months, peaking as the nation’s No. 11 wide receiver and No. 95 overall prospect.
247Sports compares him to NFL star DeSean Jackson in their scouting report due to his speed:
“Explosive speedster with elite speed (10.55 PR in 100m as sophomore), dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. Crisp route runner, with ability to quickly gain separation and stretch the field. Natural pass-catcher who can get deep consistently while also taking shorter passes. Good body control and ability to adjust to throws. Also adept punt and kick returner. Slender frame will need to add weight and strength. Projects as immediate impact Power 5 player and second or third day NFL draft pick.”
Nemec’s analysis
While the speedy Worthy would’ve been a perfect complement to physical, big-bodied Oregon commit Kyron Ware-Hudson and five-star prospect Troy Franklin, Oregon saw the writing on the wall and adjusted.
The Ducks added Under Armour All-American wide receiver Isaiah Brevard one week ago, and although the “trade” isn’t an exact one-for-one, Mario Cristobal still has three highly-coveted receivers in the 2021 recruiting class.
Oregon remains in the mix (and arguably the leader) for Dont’e Thornton, the nation’s No. 6 wide receiver, and already has what is considered by Rivals to be the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver recruiting class.
Worthy has special, rare speed that the Ducks are unlikely going to find somewhere else, but they have still done a nice job addressing the wide receiver position this recruiting cycle.
And more help could still be on the way.
-- Andrew Nemec | anemec@oregonian.com | @AndrewNemec