Hardrick makes quick decision
Rodney Hardrick had an in-home visit with Oregon linebackers coach Don Pellum on Monday night and the Colton, Calif., outside linebacker picked up another offer.
It didn't take long for the three-star prospect who helped Colton to the state championship last weekend to make his commitment.
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"It's one of those schools I always wanted to go to," Hardrick said. "I always had deep interest in Oregon and for a moment I thought they weren't going to offer.
"Last night when Don Pellum, my recruiter and linebacker coach, came in I had him telling me that I had a spot open. It's hard to not take that offer. I love the school, I'd love to play for coach Pellum and everything is good about Oregon."
Washington, Oregon State, New Mexico and Idaho had also offered Hardrick, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound prospect, but because he was still playing in his senior season he didn't want to focus too much on recruiting.
Hardrick told all the coaching staffs that he didn't want any distractions and that he'd turn to the recruiting process once his season was finished. Pellum's in-home visit on Monday night was perfect timing, the offer came as a bit of a surprise and Hardrick was happy to get things over with.
"I sensed things were getting stronger but I told him as I told all the coaches that I wanted to focus on my season in high school and finish it off on a good note and then after that I'd start going on visits," Hardrick said. "I didn't want to visit during the season or have any distractions.
"(Pellum) respected that and the Monday after the season he was there and took it to another level. I guess you could say it's a surprise but it's just great to have the opportunity."
Rivals.com rates Hardrick No. 99 in the California state rankings. He said playing football at Oregon will be great but he's also happy about picking the Ducks because he loves the school and the environment. Those factors also played a role in his decision to commit.
"I'm not just going there because they're a good football team," Hardrick said. "I'm going there because I like the school, I'll have my education there and I'll be comfortable there. The bowl game and winning is just a plus. Oregon is where I'm comfortable. That's where I want to be."