Should the Ducks Fly With the Freakish 5-Star Athlete, Nyckoles Harbor?

[FishDuck Article]

The potential is great, but there are a number of swirling contradictions surrounding this elite player.  The article has a take I haven't seen before, and do join Mr. FishDuck is discussing 5 star recruit.

 

Should the Ducks Fly With the Freakish 5-Star Athlete, Nyckoles...

FISHDUCK.COM

---

By now most Oregon fans have heard about a new Oregon football recruiting target for the February 1st signing date in Archbishop Carroll...

[12Duck72]

Honestly I'm about done with the so called star ratings. Look at all the 4-5 stars Mario brought in that didn't live up to expectations. To me it's all about how this young man and everyone else is going to fit in the progrum to build a team.

 

You brought up great points Charles. If he's waffling on his weight or whether he wants to do track then I'd say pass. Nothing wrong with him doing that and he sounds like a good dude with goals but I've felt Oregon and Duck fans in particular have been chasing recruiting rankings as of late and not looking at the bigger picture. I think Coach DL is changing that mindset.

 

Again look at what the Beavs and others are doing with their so called lower ranked players who fit what they want to do and look at teams like A$M who are getting top ranked classes. Something to think about.

 

[HappyToBeADuck]

During our hiring process we interview potential candidates, with a specific pattern of questions. We want to know what their life and career goals are. Do their goals match or line up with our goals?

 

We dont need a person who is looking for a job. We need a person who wants to come to work to do a job that fills our need. Do they fit with our team members and can they grow our brand?

 

As I watched the Clemson vs Tennessee game I couldn't help but notice how the Vols D stuffed the run and lived in the Tigers backfield. Ask yourself, Do OBD's need defensive players who can stuff the run and live in our opponents backfield? Of course the Ducks do!

 

I trust DL and his staff on their choices for recruits and portal transfers. Feel confident that DL will lay out his vision and goals for this talented young man. No matter what position DL envisions for him and then the player will decide. If he wants to put on the extra weight to play D line, yhen bring him in. Fill the immediate need.....

 

The PAC will have 6 teams listed in next years top 25. Why? Because of the future NFL talent at the QB position on those teams. The league in 2023 will be high scoring and wide open. The team with the best defense may be the difference in playing in the PAC title game or playing on a sloppy field in San Diego........

 

As a fan, i would like to see the Ducks use their scholarships to build their D. The Ducks have a clear path to the CFP in 2023. They have no chance if Williams and Penix (and other QB's) have all day to throw the ball. Fill the needs on D..

 

We don't have Georgia on our regular season schedule. But they will be waiting for us in the CFP. Fill the team with players who can take us there. 

 

If not for the lack of one more stop, on 3rd or 4th down, by our Defense against the Huskies and Beavers we would be playing the Real Dawgs tonight. Let's bring in the D players now that can make that happen.

 

Afterall, PK isnt the only Duck fan getting long in the tooth......

[jrw]

Yes, absolutely, you take the chance. Kids don't pan out for all sorts of reasons, but there's no reason to ignore such incredible football talent on the chance he may decide to prioritize track.

[lownslowav8r]

He reminds me a lot of KT and Justin Herbert: Great athlete, intelligent and complex person. I think, football wise, that he’d help us more on defense, but I’ll trust Lanning et al to see if he is a fit. 

Edited December 31, 2022 by lownslowav8r

[woundedknees]

A duck I have mentioned before, Russ Francis, 'thought' he could be a 2 sport athlete at Oregon.

He never truly excelled on the turf, yet had a long and successful, all pro level career in the league.

He entered Oregon  as the national High School record holder in the javelin. I personally witnessed him run  9.5 second (hand timed) 100 yard dash in high school.

He never ran at Oregon, and never performed at at high level in the javelin, either.

 

Yet Oregon has shown  as have other schools, that football players can achieve success at both sports... Jordan Kent, Patrick Johnson, Mel Renfro, JJ Birden, Ronnie Harris, and of course Devon Allen, were all sprint/hurdle guys.

 

NCAA relay championships are often won or at least contended at a high level, by squads consisting largely of football stars.

 

It can be done successfully,  but there is definitely a different work ethic involved.

 

One of the biggest advantages offered by Oregon  sits at the Hatfield Dowlin Complex, and Hayard... the training support may be unmatched in the NCAA.

 

 

Edited December 31, 2022 by woundedknees

[Log Haulin]

I am unsure if it works this way, but... Give the kid a full scholarship in track and PWO in football. NIL extends through all sports. 

 

You have to get talent, this kid clearly has it. Every progr'm in the country wants this kid. Maybe we can get this kid w/o burning a scholarship. 

[The Kamikaze Kid]

Step 1: Sign him up.

Step 2. Let him play whatever position he wants.

Step 3: Let him run track.

Step 4: Give an honest evaluation of where he should prioritize his athletic skills.

Step 5: Let him do what’s best for himself.

[kirklandduck]

On 12/31/2022 at 4:46 AM, 12Duck72 said:

Honestly I'm about done with the so called star ratings. Look at all the 4-5 stars Mario brought in that didn't live up to expectations. To me it's all about how this young man and everyone else is going to fit in the progrum to build a team.

 

You brought up great points Charles. If he's waffling on his weight or whether he wants to do track then I'd say pass. Nothing wrong with him doing that and he sounds like a good dude with goals but I've felt Oregon and Duck fans in particular have been chasing recruiting rankings as of late and not looking at the bigger picture. I think Coach DL is changing that mindset.

 

Again look at what the Beavs and others are doing with their so called lower ranked players who fit what they want to do and look at teams like A$M who are getting top ranked classes. Something to think about.

 

Star ratings help and are a good general indicator of potential success at the college level. But that success is also dependent on development by coaching. Cristobal was not a good developmental coach.

[woundedknees]

On 12/31/2022 at 8:56 AM, Log Haulin said:

I am unsure if it works this way, but... Give the kid a full scholarship in track and PWO in football. NIL extends through all sports. 

 

You have to get talent, this kid clearly has it. Every progr'm in the country wants this kid. Maybe we can get this kid w/o burning a scholarship. 

If he plays football, the scholly is on the football program's dime, IIRC.

[PittDuck]

IMHO, this is the exactly the type of world class athlete the new Hayward Field should be bringing to OBD.

 

There is no finer track & field facility in the WORLD!  The place is a jewel!  Top that off with one of the best football facilities in CFB, then add all the student athlete support built in to the Oregon programs, it is the best of both worlds.

 

The kid could do a lot worse for himself by choosing to go elsewhere.

[McDuck]

On 12/31/2022 at 8:56 AM, Log Haulin said:

I am unsure if it works this way, but... Give the kid a full scholarship in track and PWO in football. NIL extends through all sports. 

 

You have to get talent, this kid clearly has it. Every progr'm in the country wants this kid. Maybe we can get this kid w/o burning a scholarship. 

NCAA rules require a scholarship be charged to football if a two sport athlete plays a single snap.  Further men's track is only allowed 12.6 scholarships.  You can't give a full ride to a single athlete in track unless he is a Steve Prefontaine level performer. 

[Charles Fischer]

I said there were contradictory stories out there, and this is one of them.  Before he gave an interview about the clean air of Oregon--he told a Michigan website something different....

 

 

And his mother is from Michigan, and by his own admission is pushing the Wolverines at every turn.  Hard to beat the parent as the David Hicks situation revealed...

 

[Charles Fischer]

On 12/31/2022 at 7:18 AM, HappyToBeADuck said:

As a fan, i would like to see the Ducks use their scholarships to build their D.

There are some on other sites who believe you get him here, let him flounder between two sports for a season, and then have Thibs explain to him that only quarterbacks get paid more in the NFL than pass rushers.  Have him refine his skills, get to 260 pounds with that 6'6" and with his natural quickness--he dominates.  Below has a lot of defensive highlights...

 

End Of The Season Highlights

WWW.HUDL.COM

---

End Of The Season Highlights

 

[McDuck]

IF that is an accurate quote by the Michigan writer (color me skeptical) is is obvious he has never visited Oregon.

[1Ducker1]

I say pass on this guy. Besides we need D players with bulk.

[Charles Fischer]

Whoops.  He admits that you have to change her mind from Michigan...

 

[David Marsh]

On 12/31/2022 at 4:46 AM, 12Duck72 said:

Look at all the 4-5 stars Mario brought in that didn't live up to expectations.

That's failure to develop... 

 

Star ratings are really just a rating of athletic potential. There is a colation between star ratings and those players reaching the NFL. Five stars are far far more likely to make the NFL than a three star but not a guarantee. 

 

Cristobal failed to develop the vast majority of the talent brought in. I mean it took up to this point for Mase Funa a four star to really show his potential. I also think that is a huge reason why he has decided to come back for one more year. 

 

And the sad fact of the matter is that the teams with the most five stars are the ones who actually win national championships. 

 

Yes TCU has made the playoff... In a weak big-12 and with a whole lot of luck and they still didn't win their conference.

 

Oregon is the only team to reach the national title game in the last 20-ish years that didn't have a favorable blue chip ratio where the roster is mostly composed of four and five stars. And Oregon didn't have the bodies to hang with Ohio State... Auburn was a different story. 

[NJDuck]

On 12/31/2022 at 12:26 PM, Charles Fischer said:

And his mother is from Michigan, and by his own admission is pushing the Wolverines at every turn.  Hard to beat the parent as the David Hicks situation revealed...

I was just going to mentioned the statement from him in the article about his mother.  She will be a deciding factor as to what college he will attend.  At this moment she has her sights on him going to Michigan.

[Charles Fischer]

Woody's pick is important because the guy is right so often with where the recruits end up going...

 

 

[HappyToBeADuck]

To support 1Ducker1 we do need D players with bulk.......

 

I would like to had to that bulk, speed!

 

The Vols front 6 or 7, depending on the set, simply blew by the Tigers line. They were big, strong, fast and quick.  Get me some of that on OBD's defense.

[Charles Fischer]

Between his mother, this guy below and what position in football and even what to run in track....it is an intriguing episode!

 

 

[David Marsh]

On 12/31/2022 at 9:32 AM, 1Ducker1 said:

I say pass on this guy. Besides we need D players with bulk.

We have an incredible defensive line class so far. I think if we can land Harbor by selling offense that's fine... Because there is always a chance you can sell him in defense later as well... If he is capable maybe a little bit of a two way player. 

 

I trust Lanning on this, he hasn't given me too many reasons not to trust him to date, so let's see what he can do. 

[NJDuck]

On 12/31/2022 at 12:36 PM, Charles Fischer said:

Woody's pick is important because the guy is right so often with where the recruits end up going...

Thanks for sharing this, agree about Woody.  Which is interesting considering the athlete's comments he's made about his mother's intentions.

 

Though Oregon's facilities for both football and track could be compelling factors to convince him and his mother Oregon is the school of choice.

[Duckdude]

That’s like: “do I really want to win the mega millions?  Look at all the problems lotto winners get into!”

 

I’ll take the risk.  There’s much worse things than having an athlete like Harbor on the team……such as: not having him on the team.

Edited December 31, 2022 by Duckdude

[VegasDuck]

Yes 100% fly with him. Why cant he play both sides. WR full time and then come off the edge on passing downs? 

[Haywarduck]

Could be a DAT type disruptor, a guy who makes you not want to miss a play because it could be a moment where you just can't believe what just happened.

 

He would also be appreciated for his track abilities like no where else. I love to watch track athletes, men and women, who show grace and athleticism on the track. 

 

I would say I agree some 5* may not be worth the trouble, but we are tracktown, and that should influence our football team, again. We need speed on the football team, and this guy has boatloads, the guy can basically fly!

 

I defer to Coach Lanning and the culture and team he wants to create, until he brings in a culture disruptor I trust Lanning.

[Bruce3404]

As a track fan and writer, to the best of my knowledge ZERO football players have competed for the Ducks since Mark Helfrich left; if any have, they've been of no consequence.  Mark Helfrich gave a great speech at Track Town Tuesday at the VR Inn just after being named head coach, when he told a roomful of track fans that he was going to encourage his players to compete in track and field. 

 

During his tenure, we had two time Olympian Devon Allen and De'Anthony Thomas on the team; in fact, at one point THREE of the guys on the 4x100 team were football players (Thomas, Allen and Dior Mathis).  Chip Kelley was big on letting his players run track and the 2011 4x100 team included  LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner and Dior Mathis.  That's SEVENTY FIVE per cent of our relay team. 

 

While the former team only got 4th in conference and the latter 5th, they were juggling Spring practice along with individual sprint events, football meetings and academics.  The crowd at Hayward always got involved when the footballers were out there.  That stopped with Mario Cristobal and I guess the verdict is still out with Dan Lanning, though any recruitment of a football/track star would be severely hindered by telling an athlete they could only compete in one sport.

'

[EastBayDuckDad]

Some random pontifications and possibly misguided observations:

 

All the static about not liking Oregon except for Nike reflects the bias of someone who has never been here and has a mother pushing another place like Michigan. Tough to tell mama no.

 

If football lands him, football buys his scholly and NIL. 

 

His ideal weight for track is around 220#. Effective TE weight around 240# and Edge +250#. He has a choice to make, indeed. He could run track and be a great WR at #220, ala Jordan Kent, but with better speed. I'll bet his high point in the back of the end zone would be somewhere around 11ft. Take that, Stanford!

 

I'm sure someone has looked at lifetime earnings for an Olympic sprinter vs elite NFL wide out/TE/Edge. Both during playing years and after. I'll bet it ain't close.

 

DL and crew must have a pretty good pitch to get him out here so late in the recruitment process and have a role that they want him to fill. I'll trust them to decide on fit, character and potential. And to talk mama into it if that is possible.

 

Mama vs Puddles/Phil/Nike/Hayward/DL?

 

Go Ducks!

[OregonDucks]

I would be more excited about Nyckoles at defensive end vs. tight end or receiver.
 

Watching the top teams play in their bowl games, particularly the SEC, makes me realize how far Oregon has to go to be able to field a team capable of competing in the college football playoffs. They just look different, especially in the front 7 on defense. We need more dudes on that side of the ball and Nyckoles’s athleticism is off the charts for someone his size. Even if he were just a pass rush specialist, I think he could really help our defense.  

 

Oregon has plenty, perhaps too many, tight ends and there is no shortage of top TE talent interested in Oregon (we are in the running for another 5 star TE this year). Top defensive line talent is harder to find. 

[TheRunningDuck]

You cannot teach speed, it would be insane not to offer.

[Haywarduck]

The fly route, what is a defense going to do against this guy. The DB and the safety have to be aware of this guy all game long. If you have one player that takes two players to defend advantage goes to that team.

 

He is a wide receiver in a TE or DE's body. The problem is he is a wide receiver, not a DE, or a TE. We can't mistake the skillset he brings. If he has hands the NFL is already wants this guy as a WR, we should too. If he can catch the ball even remotely like Franklin then he will be a human highlight film.

 

Much like when Jordan Kent thought he was a basketball player, but he was too fast for the court he was on. It was obvious Jordan should have been playing football, wide receiver, from the jump in college. It was just unfortunate he didn't play football long enough to build skills for the NFL. He didn't stick on the NFL because he wasn't skilled enough. They drooled over his potential. The problem, he didn't start to play receiver until his junior year. 

 

As a comparison Bob Hayes was barely 6', weighed 185lbs. He was a threat every time he was on the field for the cowboys. Nyckoles is 6' 5" 245 lbs. and runs as fast. Again if he has decent hands, he has the potential going to light it up on every play. He will, at least, change the defense when he is on the field. Nobody is going to go one on one with him.

 

 

[12Duck72]

On 12/31/2022 at 9:35 AM, David Marsh said:

That's failure to develop... 

 

Star ratings are really just a rating of athletic potential. There is a colation between star ratings and those players reaching the NFL. Five stars are far far more likely to make the NFL than a three star but not a guarantee. 

 

Cristobal failed to develop the vast majority of the talent brought in. I mean it took up to this point for Mase Funa a four star to really show his potential. I also think that is a huge reason why he has decided to come back for one more year. 

 

And the sad fact of the matter is that the teams with the most five stars are the ones who actually win national championships. 

 

Yes TCU has made the playoff... In a weak big-12 and with a whole lot of luck and they still didn't win their conference.

 

Oregon is the only team to reach the national title game in the last 20-ish years that didn't have a favorable blue chip ratio where the roster is mostly composed of four and five stars. And Oregon didn't have the bodies to hang with Ohio State... Auburn was a different story. 

Great points David. You brought up Funa but one only needs to look at Herbert and see the failure of the South Florida coach. I guess my point of all this is I don't care where the Ducks rank in recruiting at all. I just want to see a complete team for once. They have been offense heavy for years and yes  to your point the Alabama's of college football have been getting the top recruits but they have been the right fit to their program not just because they have a 4 or 5 star. I feel at least for some Duck fans they only see the ranking.

 

As you said the other thing is development. I agree. Like it or not the Beavs have developed their so called lower ranked players into a solid program that competes and doesn't quit. We haven't always been able to say that about some of our Duck teams can we? With DL and his SEC pedigree I trust him on this so if he's looking to bring this young man in then he's done his homework and if he chooses Oregon I say welcome. 

[Dave23]

How's his past coverage skills? Just think what this guy could do in the LB position, talk about sideline to sideline and end zone to end zone. Not to mention his catch radius which would take up a fairly large portion of the field.

[Washington Waddler]

     Pretty common for high schoolers to make uninformed statements about things they know nothing about: no life experience. Wait and see following a Eugene visit.

 

     I’m not a big fan of immature media darlings — no matter how talented they are — who are still heavily influenced by mom. That’s a whole lot of ego massaging to do while still trying to deliver the message as to whose in charge. Big balancing act with high potential to distract from what’s important — the team.

 

     On the other hand, 46 of the best programs have offered, and no one is backing down. Life is a risk.

[Steven A]

On 12/31/2022 at 9:08 AM, woundedknees said:

If he plays football, the scholly is on the football program's dime

Which is great considering track only has 12.6 to divide up.

[Pennsylvania Duck]

5-star Oregon target Nyckoles Harbor is turning heads at Under Armour All-American Game

 

This past week at the Under Armour All-American Game, Harbor has once again turned heads going through

drills both as a DE and pass-catcher, while also making a case as one of the fastest players in attendance.

 

Here are some of the best videos and social media reactions from his performance thus far:

 

Oregon Recruiting: Nyckoles Harbor turns heads at UA All-American game

DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM

---

5-star ATH Nyckoles Harbor is turning heads at the UA All-American game. Harbor will be taking a visit to Eugene at the end...

 

[David Marsh]

On 12/31/2022 at 12:43 PM, 12Duck72 said:

needs to look at Herbert and see the failure of the South Florida coach.

In a weird way I do think Cristobal helped prepare Herbert for the NFL. He was not developed to his full potential and did not get anywhere close to his ceiling at Oregon but oddly enough I think he was prepared for the NFL because he had to learn to play to his highest ability in an offense that didn't give him all the tools he needed. 

 

Whether that was scheme or receivers or play calling, Herbert had to make it work. He also had to learn three different systems in four years... Helfrich, Taggart and the Cristobal offenses. 

 

Fast forward through Herbert's NFL career and you have him in at least two different systems. In his first year he was playing for a head coach who didn't let him play to his full potential. But Herbert still won offensive rookie of the year. 

 

Just a random side note. 

[JDuck]

If he's that talented get him.  We'll figure out which team or scholarship he gets

[Log Haulin]

On 12/31/2022 at 2:36 PM, David Marsh said:

In a weird way I do think Cristobal helped prepare Herbert for the NFL. He was not developed to his full potential and did not get anywhere close to his ceiling at Oregon but oddly enough I think he was prepared for the NFL because he had to learn to play to his highest ability in an offense that didn't give him all the tools he needed. 

 

Whether that was scheme or receivers or play calling, Herbert had to make it work. He also had to learn three different systems in four years... Helfrich, Taggart and the Cristobal offenses. 

 

Fast forward through Herbert's NFL career and you have him in at least two different systems. In his first year he was playing for a head coach who didn't let him play to his full potential. But Herbert still won offensive rookie of the year. 

 

Just a random side note. 

Remember, his receivers couldn't catch his throws. Dude throws hard. 

[woundedknees]

Oregon fans haveen complaining for as long as I can remember about our dbs getting humiliated by big, fast receivers... I'd at least like to see a qb like Bo get to test drive one around the Autzen parking lot  couple times!

[Jon Sousa]

"Look, I can be oblivious at times, but I am not crazy; of course you take the chance on a scholarship with Harbor..."

 

I think you answered your own question here.

 

Wasn't Devon Allen injured on a kick off return? The first one of the game, which took him out of it... alas!

[McDuck]

 

[Charles Fischer]

On 1/1/2023 at 11:17 AM, Jon Sousa said:

"Look, I can be oblivious at times, but I am not crazy; of course you take the chance on a scholarship with Harbor..."

 

I think you answered your own question here.

Right.  But I wanted others to chime in with their opinions too.

 

Interesting that nobody commented on my suggestion for the track event I see him in...

[GODUCKS15]

On 1/1/2023 at 12:05 PM, McDuck said:

 

Diamond in the rough? Or pass like the Blazers did with Jordan? Dude looks like he has a huge upside. Just need to figure out the track thing.

[Haywarduck]

On 1/1/2023 at 12:07 PM, Charles Fischer said:

Right.  But I wanted others to chime in with their opinions too.

 

Interesting that nobody commented on my suggestion for the track event I see him in...

Not sure the training required for the decathlon could be done by a two sport athlete. Agree he could undoubtedly compete very well at the event.

 

His potential at the decathlon speaks to his overall potential. He could probably become a dominant DE, TE, some have mentioned LB but what could he pull off, doing two sports? I see him as a WR and a sprinter.

 

Seems like many of the sprinters on the football team didn't train like dedicated track athletes. They just mainly went off their natural speed, and did the relays.  Devon was a unique case, and might entice another attempt at high level track and football. I see maybe 100, 200 on the track and WR. 

 

The nice thing about training as a sprinter is it will undoubtedly transfer to the football field. With some high level training nobody will catch the dude. Metcalf is an untrained sprinter, and has no chance against track sprinters.

 

Can you imagine Harbor with elite sprinter speed as a wideout? I want to find out what Harbor can do as a two sport athlete. I'm not sure decathlon is possible for the guy as a college student, football player.

 

 

[Charles Fischer]

On 1/1/2023 at 12:47 PM, Haywarduck said:

I'm not sure decathlon is possible for the guy as a college student, football player.

I was assuming that if he made that choice--he would focus on training for those ten events, attend school--all like Ashton Eaton, only with substantial NIL...unlike Ashton Eaton.

 

The decathlon champion is the world's greatest athlete; could that be the road Harbor is on?

 

[Haywarduck]

On 1/1/2023 at 1:17 PM, Charles Fischer said:

I was assuming that if he made that choice--he would focus on training for those ten events, attend school--all like Ashton Eaton, only with substantial NIL...unlike Ashton Eaton.

 

The decathlon champion is the world's greatest athlete; could that be the road Harbor is on?

 

I could see that being an interesting discussion between Harbor and PK. I know PK followed Tiger and others, and undoubtedly is aware of the unique skillset Harbor has. 

 

If Harbor signs I could see PK playing a role. Your scenario may play out and he potentially becomes a large Nike marketing tool.

 

If football plays out he becomes an extremely unique weapon. If track becomes his goal then he just may become the decathlete or sprinter who goes to the olympics. I do think he will have to figure out where he wants to focus sooner than later. Neither road will be easy, and it is yet to be determined if he has that mentality of a champion.

 

There are only a couple directions where he becomes a huge Nike profit center. I could see those as interesting discussions I would love to be a fly on the wall for. My bet is the Oregon brain trust is putting that proposal together, if they really want him.

[Jon Sousa]

On 1/1/2023 at 2:24 PM, Haywarduck said:

My bet is the Oregon brain trust is putting that proposal together, if they really want him.

Fortunately, they have a few weeks to get it put together well.