Five-Star OT Jordan Seaton Recaps Oregon Visit
It was another big recruiting weekend for Oregon when they faced Washington State.
The headliner of the weekend was five-star Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, who was in town for an unofficial visit.
He took some time to speak with Ducks Digest about that visit and what it meant for his recruitment.
"I definitely got to put some eyes on the school and see how they operate, which was good," Seaton said. "Being able to just experience the family environment from Dan Lanning and his playing and the coaching environment was definitely good."
There was one aspect of the trip that left a particularly strong impression on the elite offensive lineman.
"One other thing that I like about the Oregon Ducks is basically the player relationships with the coaches. It's one of a kind. You can't find that at too many spots nowadays."
So far in his recruitment the 6-foot-6, 300-pound tackle has been able to build connections with two coaches on the Ducks staff.
"(I) Got a relationship with A'lique Terry. He's been recruiting me since he got the job," he said. "Dan Lanning, Coach Lanning, he's a great guy. I got to talk to him multiple times over the phone---getting to put a name to a face, a relationship to a face is definitely a good start."
The Ducks don't have the best track record when it comes to recruiting players from IMG or really the Sunshine State as a whole, but it doesn't sound like that matters to Seaton.
"Just because I'm all the way over there doesn't mean I won't consider them. I left family to come here (IMG), so I'll go anywhere to play college football."
The Oregon coaching staff has been involved with Seaton for more than a year, but they haven't been discussed much as a contender in his recruitment.
"They always been around I just never talked about them," Seaton said. "As you can see they offered me when I was back at St. John's."
He gave some insight into his thought process coming out of the visit and reflected on the impression the Oregon visit made on him.
"What's going through my head is just the opportunity they got. They got a lot of older guys up front, which means there's a lot of new guys ready to come in and play. Just knowing that there's opportunity to play early there.
"But there's an opportunity to play early at a lot of these programs noawadays. Offensive line is in high demand right now."
Seaton appears to be shifting into decision mode and he plans on committing during the early signing period in December.
"I'm just kind of in the figuring out process. I gotta focus on the season right now."
When he goes to make his decision, the elite tackle prospect is holding two factors above all else.
"I prioritize development and relationships," he said. "So if I don't know you I can't play for you. Simple as that."
