Oregon 'Toward the top' for DL TJ Lindsey After Spring Game Visit
Like I've been saying all week, the caliber of defensive line talent that visited Oregon for the spring game was incredibly impressive.
One player that shouldn't get lost in the mix is 2024 Bryant (Ark.) defensive lineman TJ Lindsey. He made the trip to Eugene and it was one he'd been wanting to take for a long time.
"Since a kid I've always wanted to go to Oregon," he told Ducks Digest about why he took the trip. "Every kid loved Oregon and then I looked at it as a more business opportunity now--older obviously. They just have a lot of the stuff that I'm interested in and they were really interested in me so I wanted to definitely get out there and check 'em out."
The 6-foot-5, 270-pound trench talent went in depth on some highlights of his visit.
"The environment at the spring game was a highlight for me I would say. I'd never been to a spring game that packed before. The facility tours. Probably the best facility I've been in. Meeting the coaches for the first time."
The Ducks made a great impression and the unofficial visit gave him the chance to continue building his relationships with the coaching staff.
"I loved being out there in Eugene," Lindsey said. "I had talked to Coach Tony (Tuitoti) before, but him coming out to my basketball game in Arkansas spoke a lot. I had to get out there to see them and I just loved my time out there."
After spending a couple days in Eugene it sounds like he's developed a strong connection with who would be his future position coach.
"We definitely have a good connection. A great relationship," he said of Tuioti. "It's continually growing. Personally clicked well. He seems like a very nice guy. Very truth and a really good coach."
Lindsey blew up on the recruiting trail following a strong showing at the National Combine in San Antonio earlier this year and in the time since he's seen a lot of schools. So what stands out the most about Oregon?
"The opportunity and the fit," he said. "Them being Nike and being all about the fashion and Nike and things like that. I'm into a lot of the shoes and things like that. I love the brand, I've always worn the brand.
"I think they can really develop me. Got some really good tips from Coach (Tosh) Lupoi, Coach Tuitoi, Coach (Dan) Lanning they're all really good defensive coaches."
Where does Oregon stand in his recruitment following his first trip to Eugene?
"They're definitely toward the top of my list," Lindsey said.
Looking ahead, the highly-coveted defensive lineman has a couple of schools in mind he'd like to see, including a return to the West Coast.
"I got Miami next weekend. Michigan eventually and USC eventually.'
As we get closer to the summer, he also has a trio of official visits locked in.
"I got three scheduled. The first weekend of June is Auburn, third weekend is (Texas) A&M and the last weekend is Texas. And I got two more left."
Lindsey is being recruited heavily by programs all over the country, but named those that have made the biggest push.
"I would definitely say Texas, Texas A&M, Oregon, Michigan, Auburn, Miami and Arkansas."
He plans to commit in the earlier part of the 2023 football season and will release a top 10 some time around May 25.
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