Why Chavez 'Sandman' Thompson picked Oregon ahead of first visit
Few college football brands carry the unanimous positive-feel from the prospect demographic like the Oregon Ducks.
Through multiple coaching staffs, the UO offer has remained coveted and the allure of the program on a national stage, from branding to on-field success, continues to resonate. Take new verbal commitment Chavez Thompson for instance.
The interior talent out of Melbourne (Fla.) Eau Gallie committed to Dan Lanning's program over the weekend before ever getting out to Eugene to take a closer look at the campus.
A local tie on the current coaching staff played a big part, too.
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"Oregon just seems like a perfect fit," Thompson, who goes by 'Sandman,' told Rivals. "My relationship with Coach (A'lique) Terry is great. He is from Florida and I think I fit in there offense. It just was the right time and I excited for my future in Eugene.
"Coach Terry came all the way down just to see me. I felt the love."
The family is now planning a summer trip to Oregon for the full scope of the location in which the two-sport star will migrate to in 2025.
"I haven’t been yet, but it’s Oregon," he said. "It is a school that I’ve seen on TV my whole life. I’m going up in July with my family. We are all excited. It just seems like a great fit for me and my family.
"Everyone was really excited. Everyone is happy."
Terry, in his first year at Oregon, prepped in south Florida before a standout career at Wake Forest, mainly as a center. Thompson is projected similarly, though he has tackle experience to date.
This spring, the newest Duck progressed as a varsity wrestler, taking home district and conference titles.