Joseph Jonah-Ajonye Recaps Oregon Visit
Dan Lanning and Oregon hosted a historic group of recruits on campus for their spring game this past weekend.
The caliber of defensive line talent in particular, was on another level.
Conroe (Tex.) Oak Ridge defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye has nearly 30 offers and made his way out to Eugene. He broke down the visit with Ducks Digest and gave a couple of highlights from his first trip to Oregon.
"Oregon's a beautiful place. I enjoyed the scenery," he said. "The highlights of it was getting to meet some of the players. Talking to Coach (Tony) Washington and Tuioti about where they see me playing at and just getting to know them. It's just really good people at Oregon."
Even with over 100 recruits on campus he still got to spend some time with Dan Lanning.
"I mostly talk to Coach Washington and Coach Tuioti on the phone," Jonah-Ajonye said. "I haven't really gotten to talk to Coach Lanning like that. But that was my first time meting him in person and he's a really great guy. He's kind of funny too."
The 6-foot-5, 265-pound lineman made the trip with his Oak Ridge teammate, Justin Williams, who's arguably the top linebacker on Oregon's board in 2024. He's got high interest in the Ducks and the two have talked about teaming up again in Eugene.
"Oh yeah definitely. Me playing with Justin, that would be great. Oregon might be the place to do it at if I'm being honest. Before I went to Oregon he would always talk about the place after every visit.
"He's been there five times now. He would always talk about the place, talking about the weight room and the coaches and he's right."
So the Ducks are clearly in a great spot with Williams, and the coaching staff has made them a clear contender for Jonah-Ajonye, who discussed what stood out the most about Oregon.
"Number one is definitely gonna have to be the people because that really matters to me," he said. "The facilities are great. The weight room is amazing. I'm a big weight room guy. I love to lift. The practice field is amazing. The people in the facilities."
The Texas standout has a couple of official visits locked in as he fills out his schedule.
"Texas Tech on June 9-11 and Oklahoma June 16-18," he said. "I'm trying to pick up another school for the 23rd of June. I'm probably going to go to Oregon or Georgia. I haven't made up my mind yet."
Even with so many schools recruiting him, he's hearing the most from a smaller group that could be separating themselves.
"Oklahoma, Oregon, Georgia, Texas, Texas Tech, TCU, FSU, and Texas A&M."
Should we expect a decision from Joseph-Ajonye any time soon?
"I'm trying to make my decision August 1," he said. "But I kind of feel like that might change I don't know yet. But August 1 is when I want to commit. Right before the season so my mind can be on the success of my team."
The big-time defensive lineman is prioritizing development among other items and a couple schools are checking those boxes.
"Really a place that can develop me to be the best defensive lineman in the country. That's my goal. What school has that brotherhood aspect. Just to name a few schools Oklahoma and Oregon, I already feel like they have that. And Texas Tech. I really feel like they have that. And also Georgia."
With recruitments ramping up across the country, he maintained that he's keeping his options open.
"I'm still open to other schools. I haven't dropped the top 10 yet because I'm still open."
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