Oregon signee Rodrick Pleasant named Gatorade California Track and Field Athlete of the Year
Oregon 2023 signee Rodrick Pleasant isn’t just one of the top cornerback prospects in his class. He’s also one of the best high school sprinters in the nation.
On Thursday, Pleasant was announced as the 2023 Gatorade California Track and Field Athlete of the Year after a standout senior season on the track. He joins a standout group of former California award-winners who went on the star at the collegiate level, including Michael Norman (USC), Grant Fisher (Stanford), and Robert Griffin (Baylor).
This spring, Pleasant captured state titles in the 100-meter dash (10.20 seconds) and 200-meter dash (20.67). His season-best wind-aided 100-meter time of 10.09 seconds is the second-best in the nation among prep athletes this season, according to Athletic.net.
His wind-legal 100-meter PR of 10.14 seconds is the 10th-best ever by a U.S. high school athlete.
According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Pleasant is the No. 98 prospect in the 2023 class and the No. 9 cornerback. He is the third-highest-ranked prospect in the Ducks’ signing class behind only receiver Jurrion Dickey (No. 28) and Matayo Uiagalelei (No. 40).
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Pleasant, along with fellow 4-star cornerback Daylen Austin, will join Oregon for fall camp and push for playing time as a true freshman.
On Nation Signing Day in February, Ducks’ head coach Dan Lanning was asked how UO’s track program has helped its football program on the recruiting trail.
“I think ultimately if you have goals and part of your goals involve track and football, there’s probably not a better fit in the nation than this place,” Lanning said. “Because we’re one of the ones that are going to compete in the top 25 on both sides, always. We’re always going to be at the top of the charts from a football standpoint and a track standpoint. I think that provides a unique opportunity for players that want to accomplish both.”
Rodrick Pleasant On3 Scouting Report
“Versatile speedster who has a claim as the fastest prospect in the 2023 cycle. Set the California state record with a historic 10.14 second mark in the 100 meters in the state finals as a junior. Also ran an outstanding 20.40 second time in the 200 meters. One of the fastest prep sprinters in the nation. Has a smaller frame at 5-foot-10 and around 170 pounds. Plays all over the field at Gardena Serra, but most likely projects as a cornerback long-term. Has the speed to stick in the hip pocket of wide receivers on Friday nights. Also shows excellent makeup speed when out of phase in the camp setting. A willing tackler as a run defender. A threat to score anytime the ball is in his hands as a receiver or kick returner. Lacks some length for the position with a neutral wing-span and will need to show he can make plays on the ball in contested situations.“
