CLASS IMPACT: Five-Star EDGE Elijah Rushing Commits to Oregon
Oregon's 2024 recruiting class jumped from No. 10 to No. 6 nationally on Monday after Dan Lanning and the Ducks picked up a commitment from five-star Tucson (Ariz.) Salpointe Catholic EDGE Elijah Rushing.
Rushing pledged to Oregon after de-committing from Arizona earlier this month and adds to what is shaping up to be a historic class for Dan Lanning.
We're breaking this commitment down from all angles.
Recruiting impact
This is a massive recruiting win for the Ducks. They never stopped recruiting Rushing after he committed to Arizona and that paid off in a big way.
This was a team recruiting win in the biggest way. Tosh Lupoi, Dan Lanning and other members of the staff played a role in getting this one finished. Constant communication and interest were crucial so Rushing knew that Eugene was the place to be.
Furthermore, the Ducks have now landed the top two recruits on the West Coast in defensive lineman Aydin Breland as well as Rushing, which sends a statement that the best players go to Oregon. This commitment wasn't much of a surprise at all and I think it only helps their chances with top remaining defensive front targets Solomon Williams and Jericho Johnson.
Rushing's pledge helps the Ducks take another big step closer to signing the best recruiting class in program history in only Lanning's second full cycle.
Evaluation
At 6'6", 251 pounds, Rushing has a college-ready frame as a senior, which is a theme that runs throughout virtually all of Oregon's defensive line commits this cycle. That's especially valuable with players in the front seven, as it helps them chase down quarterbacks for sacks and ballcarriers for tackles for loss.
Rushing's athleticism, strength and bend are a few traits that stand out the most when you turn on the tape. He plays a violent brand of football and he really shows that with how he uses his hands.
Whether it's disengaging from his blocker, batting down a pass at the line of scrimmage or forcing fumbles, he's a disruptive player that causes chaos wherever he goes on defense. I like his ability to rush the passer, but I get the sense that he may be winning more with power than technique at times, and that kind of thing happens when you're his size.
Working with Tosh Lupoi and Dan Lanning will only help him develop a more extensive tool kit.
Another thing that makes Rushing impressive is his ability to defend the pass and the run, especially when he's moving side-to-side and running in a straight line. Getting a linemen that's good at both is really valuable to any team.
Roster Outlook at Oregon
Rushing is a really promising player and should have a great shot at playing early. The path to playing time could be a little difficult as Teitum Tuioti, Matayo Uiagalelei and Blake Purchase are already playing at a high level as true freshmen. But Lanning has shown this season why it's so important to have a legitimate two-deep so you can rotate in players.
Rushing's position versatility could help him find the field sooner rather than later depending on where the staff ultimately wants to use him, but either way he projects as a multi-year starter for the Ducks.
