"They really sold hard a chance for him to blaze his own trail out in Eugene": Oregon insider reveals Ducks' tactics to recruit Dakorien Moore

By Maliha

Modified Jul 07, 2024 12:49 GMT

The Oregon Ducks beat Texas, LSU and Ohio State to secure the commitment of Duncanville (Texas) Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Dakorien Moore last week. He is the highest-rated prospect in head coach Dan Lanning's 2025 class and the Ducks' highest-rated commitment securing Kayvon Thibodeaux in the 2019 class.

Recruiting insider Justin Hopkins spoke on how the Oregon staff sealed such a huge deal during a chat with "The Inside Scoop."

“NIL was certainly a factor in his commitment," Hopkins said. "It was a factor in his recruitment. He was going to get paid what he was due — whatever that value is, who knows."

Dakorien Moore holds a NIL Valuation of $575K, according to On3. But beyond financial incentives, the Ducks focused on his chance to carve out a distinct path in Eugene, which worked in their favor.

"They really sold hard a chance for him to blaze his own trail out in Eugene. Kinda get away, spread his wings, if you will, as a Duck. I think that was one of the biggest things.”

Initially committing to LSU in 2023, Dakorien Moore reopened his recruitment in May 2024, taking official visits to top programs from the final weekend of May into late June. The Longhorns were heavy favorites to land Moore and he even brought his entire family for his official visit to Texas but the Ducks' coaching staff's consistent effort ultimately sealed the deal.

"The amount of effort they put into it, the amount of love that they tried to show the family. Making his family comfortable with potentially leaving to Eugene."

Moore recorded 71 catches for 1,523 yards and 18 touchdowns last season while amassing 130 receptions for 2,653 yards and 29 touchdowns throughout his three seasons at Duncanville. He also excels in track and field, playing a big role in Duncanville's state championship victory in the 4x200 relay.

Dakorien Moore shares why he chose the Ducks

The Ducks' success at landing top wide receivers was proved by the commitments from standout talents like Jurrion Dickey, Jeremiah McClellan, and Ryan Pellum in former classes. With Dakorien Moore in the 2025 class, the Ducks' potential in the room only increases and the prospect himself also senses the potential in the program, which ultimately caused him to give his pledge.

"The reason I chose Oregon is because I want to be different," Moore told 247Sports. "I want to be a part of something legendary. I see coach Lanning building a program that will win a national championship.

"I feel like (Oregon wide receivers) coach (Junior) Adams will develop me into the best wide receiver and man outside of football, and the culture Is different there most of all."

Besides Moore, the Ducks also secured a pledge from five-star wide receiver Dallas Wilson, joining two other four-star wide receivers: Cooper Perry and Isaiah Mozee.

Dakorien Moore is ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect in the class of 2025, the No. 1 wide receiver and the No. 2 prospect in Texas, according to 247Sports. On3 places him as the No. 3 overall prospect in the class, the No. 1 wide receiver and the No. 1 prospect in Texas.