Denver Broncos' Troy Franklin Assists Oregon Ducks Recruiting Of 4-Star Davon Benjamin

The Oregon Ducks are looking for some much-needed momentum with its recruiting class of 2026. Oregon coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks are looking to keep up the pace, targeting four-star defensive back recruit Davon Benjamin.

The Ducks have some help in recruiting one of the top defensive backs in the nation. Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin posted on his Instagram story from Benjamin’s official visit with the program.

Franklin, Oregon’s all-time single-season receiving leader, spent three years with the Ducks. In 2023, Franklin’s final season with the Ducks, he earned 1,383 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He averaged 106.4 receiving yards per game in 2023 and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, joining former Ducks quarterback Bo Nix.

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin (WO08) talks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Franklin is still helping out the Ducks even beyond his playing time, as Oregon is looking to build its recruiting class of 2026.

Benjamin is one of the top cornerbacks from the class of 2026. Per the On3 Industry Rankings, Benjamin is the No. 38 recruit in the nation, the No. 3 cornerback, and the No. 7 recruit from California.

Oregon has excelled lately in recruiting elite athletes at the cornerback position, sothe program can focus on bringing in high-quality players as opposed to a large number of recruits for that position. Benjamin plays both cornerback and safety and is a talented athlete who would make a valuable addition to the Ducks' defense. The four-star recruit has also had official visits to Michigan, Texas, and Washington.

Nov 17, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (16) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Bo Nix (10) in the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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“When I commit, and pick one school, it will be about getting to the next level. I am not worried about the NIL, because that will come regardless. The three most important things to me are development, trust, and the opportunity,” Benjamin told On3. “I have to trust the coaches to put me in the best position for the future and develop me, which will help me solidify my decision.”

Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning looks on in the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Rose Bowl college football quarterfinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Being able to spend time with Franklin, a former Duck now playing in the NFL is one way to show Oregon’s pipeline in the league. Oregon also had two first-round selections in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Though Lanning and the Ducks have been dealt some tough blows while recruiting the class of 2026, the program has received two big-time commits recently. Defensively, the Ducks received a commitment from five-star safety Jett Washington, and Oregon also received a commitment from four-star quarterback Bryson Beaver, an important addition after missing out on five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons.

With the addition of Washington and Beaver, the Oregon Ducks recruiting class of 2026 ranks No. 9 in the nation and No. 3 in the Big Ten, per On3. The team is up to 10 commits, six of which are defensive players.

Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning during a timeout in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

In addition to Washington, the team received a verbal commitment from four-star recruits, defensive lineman Tony Cumberland, linebacker Tristan Phillips, safety Xavier Lherisse, defensive lineman Viliami Moala, and three-star edge rusher Dutch Horisk.

After a strong official visit and getting to spend time with Franklin, will Benjamin be the next recruit to commit to Oregon?

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