Oregon got huge news on Saturday when four-star safety Trey McNutt announced his verbal commitment to the team.
The Cleveland (Ohio) Shaker Heights defender is the 15th known commitment for the Ducks in the 2025 class. He’s the third defensive back joining four-stars Dorian Brew and Brandon Finney.
WHAT MCNUTT MEANS TO OREGON
McNutt is the latest elite prospect to commit to the Ducks. What all the prospects have in common is their belief that coach Dan Lanning has the program on the rise.
“Oregon, it’s about their staff, too. I mean, they’ve got another elite staff,” McNutt said.
“Coach Lanning and Coach Wadu and Hampton, they're all elite. And their program is growing. And you can see Oregon on the rise, especially going to the Big Ten. They got a good chance this year.”
The Ohio native spoke with Rivals before his decision to describe why Oregon would be the pick.
“If it was Oregon, it would be because of the people out there,” McNutt said. “The people out there, they treat you right. They give you a family feel and they just make sure that it's genuine out there. Ultimately, they are there to benefit them, but it's not just about them. They want what's best for you, too.”
As Oregon moves into the Big Ten, it’s important to continue landing recruits from Big Ten country. Those players fit the type of team that coach Lanning is building. But it also weakens future opponents (Ohio State) in the process.
WHAT MCNUTT BRINGS TO THE DUCKS
The Ducks are getting a versatile playmaker in McNutt. He’s on the verge of five-star status because of his outstanding ball skills, range in the deep third of the field and high upside.
He is a safety but could certainly help Oregon by playing slot cornerback as well.
National recruiting analyst Marshall Levenson was recently in Houston to see McNutt workout with Fast Houston.
“McNutt certainly falls into the category of a ‘First Team Off The Bus’ prospect. He measures in at 6-foot, 180 pounds but he plays much bigger with his athleticism and his sudden movement ability. At a recent workout, McNutt showed smooth footwork to go along with excellent ball skills. Has a frame that will easily hold more mass at the next level and fill into a true safety mold. Moves like a cornerback in and out of breaks and a smooth backpedal that he explodes out of. Showcased a rangy pursuit of the ball in the air, which is proven on film.
“Despite his ability to move well close to the line, the centerfield safety role may be where finds a home with his ability to track the ball and both come down field as well as cover the top of the defense and take away the ball.”
