DL Jackson Ford goes in-depth on his commitment to Oregon, Dan Lanning

Oregon’s big recruiting weekend got jump-started a bit early this week as three-star Melissa (Texas) DL Jackson Ford jumped aboard the Ducks’ 2024 recruiting class, which now ranks first in the Pac-12.

The Ducks have been one of the handfuls of teams consistently immersed in the 6-foot-6, 240-pound Ford’s recruitment along with Texas Tech. They separated themselves this spring as Ford moved closer to a decision.

Much of the credit is due to the vision of head coach Dan Lanning and the staff that he’s assembled around him in Eugene.

“It just came down to the staff and players,” Ford told On3 on his decision to pledge to Oregon. “Coach Lanning has done a great job building a family environment, and that’s what stood out to me. Everyone in the program is super personable. Plus, Oregon has been my dream school ever since I was a little kid.”

“He just made it very clear that it’s more than just football. He’s been apart of some big-time schools and has a history of winning,” he continued. “I know he’s definitely building something special. The visits really gave me a perspective of what the program was all about. I got to know the entire staff and build relationships with them. It felt like home the first visit I was there.”

Ducks kicked it up after the arrival of Stein

First-year Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein has deep Texas roots dating back time his stint at UTSA and before that, Lake Travis (Texas) High School.

His presence also played a pivotal role in Ford’s interest in the Ducks.

“They definitely started to show more interest once Coach Stein got there and after my first visit (to Eugege) is when they started to really pursue me,” Ford explained. “Coach Stein was one of the first coaches to offer me down at UTSA, so I’ve been able to keep that relationship with him.”

Stein received added help from not only Lanning, but also tight ends coach Drew Mehringer and offensive analyst Steve Ha’unga. Together, the Ducks coaching staff blew On3’s No. 125-ranked defensive lineman out of the water.

“When I went up there in June I had a very good feeling about it,” Ford said. “The entire coaching staff and recruiting team made it feel like a special place. Coach Mehringer and Coach Ha’unga were consistently hitting me up so that definitely played a role in my decision. I feel honored to be able to be a part of his team. Coach Lanning is a very successful coach and also a very genuine guy. I’m just excited to see what we can do in the next couple of years.”