Five-Star DL Aydin Breland Talks Oregon Commitment, What's Next
Last week there was a commitment that sent shockwaves throughout the recruiting world.
Five-star Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei defensive lineman Aydin Breland committed to Dan Lanning and the Ducks, becoming the new headliner in Oregon's 2024 recruiting class.
Ducks Digest was in Costa Mesa Thursday night for Mater Dei vs. Orange Lutheran and caught up with Breland to discuss his decision.
"It was really tough coming down to the final three," Breland reflected. "My grandma had, on Sunday the week before the commitment, she was expressing to me how she wanted me to stay home so she could get to a game and the travel not be as hard on her. And I was like there's only one else to do now. It was at the point to where it could go either way, so that's just the way it went."
But the newest Oregon commit made it clear that his grandmother wasn't the only reason he chose the Ducks.
"Not to make it seem like my grandma was the only deciding factor. My grandma played a big part in it, but once she said that it just made me re-look at things. As we looked at things Oregon was just the better fit, it really was.
"Just with everything in regards to all the things that I really wanted in a college when it came to the family feel, the NFL development, the great culture and the place that I just felt like home. It just felt home up there."
Breland took his last visit to Georgia in late September, but not much changed between that trip and the day of his commitment.
"No nothing really," he said. "Just ending decision was Oregon. Just end all be all."
As one would expect, he's grateful to be able to put the recruiting process behind him.
"Very relieved, finally. Just thankful. Thankful to God and everything else."
The recruiting process was a long journey for the Mater Dei star, but it was one that came with many lessons.
"I can say I learned a lot. It was very bitter sweet. There was ups and downs but it was an experience that I'm overall just totally grateful for. I've learned a lot about myself, learned a lot about life in general on these trips. Just grateful to be able to have this experience and end the story."
Now that his decision is made, it sounds like he's going to try and do some peer recruiting for Oregon.
"Man I'm trying to flip my boys Brandon Baker (Texas OL commit) and Nate Frazier (Georgia RB commit). Try to get them to come to the nest."
The newest Duck likes what he's seen from his new school so far this year.
"The loss to Washington, that was a great game. That just comes down to two teams battling their butt off and it just worked. As far as what I've seen from Oregon just straight up domination. They've been handing out cans of kick butt to everybody else."
Next Breland says he wants to focus on his season and upcoming Southern Section playoffs. Duck fans might see him back in Eugene soon.
"Oregon vs. SC game in Eugene maybe. In the talks."
What kind of player are the Ducks getting?
"3 to 5 player. I just want to make an impact on the defense and cause havoc. Wreak havoc. Versatile d-lineman I want to wreak havoc on the defense and show love to the fans and the culture."
