Dan Lanning's work on the recruiting trail has not stopped despite the 2024 season already underway. The No. 8 Oregon Ducks secured four-star inside offensive lineman Douglas Utu on Sept. 26. Oregon flipped his prior commitment from the No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers. Utu is ranked No. 57 nationally and No. 4 in the country at his position, per On3.
Who Is Douglas Utu?
Utu is a 6-foot-4, 315-pound inside offensive lineman from Las Vegas. He attends Bishop Gorman High School, which is known for producing Division I talent. Utu is also ranked as the No. 2 overall player from Nevada. He is known for his flexibility as a lineman and projects as a tackle at the next level because of how quick he is off his feet.
Utu shows excellent feet as a tackle but can also step inside where he currently plays as a guard. Utu is a very highly-ranked offensive lineman and projects to be a four-year starter at the next level. Utu moves well laterally and has a combination of strength and quickness that will bode well against bull rushers and speed rushers.
How Does This Affect Oregon?
This is an incredible mid-season addition for the Ducks. Like most teams, Oregon's recruiting has gone quiet as of late due to the start of the season. However, the addition of Utu helps out the offensive line class for 2025 tremendously. Previously, the highest-rated Duck recruit for OL was Ziyare Addison, who is currently No. 124 nationally and No. 11 out of all tackles, per On3. Oregon currently has the No. 7-ranked recruiting class for 2025, per On3.
Utu is the highest-rated lineman recruit the Ducks have brought in for the 2025 class, and it came at a crucial time. Oregon has shown this season they may need help at the inside part of their offensive line, and Utu may provide some assistance right away next season. Utu is rumored to be around 6-foot-6 by the time next season comes around as well.
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