Oregon offer big for Jesuit athlete
Portland (Ore.) Jesuit athlete Demetrius Douglas did not have a chance to prove himself much his junior season for the 2015 State Champion Crusaders. Missing more than half the season with a lacerated kidney then later a broken hand, the WR/DB still managed to intercept two passes, returning one for a touchdown and caught six passes during his five games, three of them for touchdowns.
But for the Oregon staff that was enough and after reviewing his junior tapes, the Ducks became the second team to step forward and offer him a college scholarship to play football.
Duck Sports Authority caught up with one of the State’s best to get the details.
“I had been in communication with the coaches via Twitter,” Douglas explained. “As I was flying out to Minnesota, actually right as my plane landed, I got a Twitter direct message from Coach Neal saying that they really liked my film and that he wanted to inform me of an official offer from them.
“He left his number and everything and just kind of explained how the recruiting process worked. He couldn’t call me yet but he wanted to extend that offer for me. I also talked to the wide receivers coach a little bit. He told me he was excited they had offered me.”
The news made for an interesting walk through Minneapolis-St. Paul International.
“It was really crazy,” Douglas laughed. “I didn’t know what to think at first. It was very exciting and it sure made me happy.”
Like most all high school players in Oregon, Douglas plays on both sides of the ball. In college he likely will not and as per usual for Duck recruiting, they preferred to let him pick his preference.
“When I was talking to the Duck coaches they asked me what position I would like to play,” said Douglas. “I told them that I did enjoy both wide receiver and DB but I did feel that playing corner would be a little bit better fit. For the most part from what I have heard from schools is that most prefer me as an athlete.”
Aside from existing offers (Oregon, CSU) his recruitment is picking up, and the Oregon offer should speed up the pace further.
“I have been talking a bit with Washington State and their coaches a little bit. Also Oregon State and then my dad has been talking to Howard for me. Those are the main other schools right now.”
While the Ducks will certainly be a player in his recruiting process, the decision is likely a long way off with 11 months until his signing day.
“Oregon would be a great school to go to,” said Douglas. “It sounds like a really nice place. I’ve been down to a game and seen their campus before. I am excited to have the offer. For now, I just need to take the process slowly and focus on football and bettering my game.”