Oregon Adds Prolific but Underappreciated California RB CJ Verdell to 2017 Class
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The Oregon staff along with Duck Nation needed a big boost on the recruiting trail after a tough week and got one on Thursday when California running back CJ Verdell verbally committed.
Verdell is the quintessential overlooked talent among recruiting sites. The 5’9”, 195 pound, playmaker is a true force on the field but based off his recruiting rankings one would never know the difference.
Colleges have not slept on the Chula Vista area product. Verdell received a little playing time during his sophomore year coming up with 321 yards off 36 carries in just two games (MaxPreps) flashing his playmaking abilities. He knocked the door down in 2015 rushing for 2,135 yards with 28 touchdowns while sporting a 12.6 yard per carry average. The all-purpose back showed what he can do in the passing game hauling in 15 receptions for 278 yards with five additional scores.
Verdell even chopped it up on defense coming up with 22 tackles and picked off two passes while forcing a fumble. His dynamic breakaway speed was on display returning kicks taking nine attempts back 262 yards with a long of 89. The high productivity helped take the Crusaders from an 8-6 team in 2014 to a California state championship in 2015 running their record to 14-1.
Scouting services have slept on Verdell, Rivals does not even have him rated, but the double-digit offers speaks volumes. Some of the teams extending offers includes Wisconsin, Colorado, Oregon State, San Jose State, Hawaii, Eastern Washington, Colorado State, Boston College, Arizona, and Cal.
Oregon wrapped up their target with Verdell posting his announcement on Twitter:
The Ducks had a tough week losing four-star Arizona quarterback Ryan Kelley but have helped their cause landing Verdell. Verdell and four-star Utah defensive end Langi Tuifua are the only two Oregon commitments to the 2017 class.
Oregon Ducks 2017 Verbal Commitment List
DE Langi Tuifua, 6-3, 205, Bingham HS, South Jordan, UT
RB CJ Verdell, 5-9, 195, Mater Dei HS, Chula Vista, CA
Photo credit: sandiegouniontribune.com; No. 5 CJ Verdell.