ANOTHER big-time Flip Target is set to be in Eugene this weekend
RECRUITING FOOTBALL
10/26/20241 min read
A couple of days ago, I reported that 2025 tight end Andrew Olesh, a Michigan commit, would be in Eugene this weekend to visit the Oregon Ducks. It turns out that Olesh won’t be the only blue-chip tight end making his way to Eugene. Oregon is also set to host another flip target at the position. With multiple tight ends coming to town, the Ducks' recruiting efforts at the position are heating up.
Blue-chip tight end and current Washington commit Vander Ploog will be in Eugene this weekend also. Vander Ploog’s return to Eugene is particularly notable since he was already in town when Oregon played Ohio State two weeks ago. The fact that he’s back for another visit suggests a growing interest in the Ducks. Committed to Washington since June, Ploog didn’t receive his offer from Oregon until afterward, but since then, the Ducks have aggressively pursued him. Momentum is building in this one, the Washington commit is now on major flip watch, with Oregon steadily gaining ground in this recruitment.
The pursuit of Ploog doesn’t mean Oregon is slowing down with other top tight end targets, either. The Ducks are still actively recruiting 5-star Linkon Cure, and Ploog’s potential addition wouldn’t stop them from taking Cure as well. However, the real question is if Andrew Olesh, another highly regarded tight end, also decides he wants to join the Ducks. While Linkon Cure would be a must take prospect, if both Olesh and Ploog want to come to Oregon, the ducks coaching staff would have to decide which tight end they want more.
Ploog has steadily climbed the rankings this year and is considered a big target for the Ducks. According to the 247Sports composite rankings, he’s rated as a 4-star prospect and ranked #240 nationally. At 6'6" and 223 pounds, Ploog already has the size and skillset to make an immediate impact at the college level. This recruitment will be one to watch as time moves on.
With Ploog visiting Eugene this weekend, there could be some significant movement in his recruitment. The recruitment should be watched closely, as the Ducks coaching staff continues to put the pressure on. If everything aligns, we could see some major news in this recruitment sooner rather than later.