Hopkins has said Humphrey and Smith are ahead of Esteen for months now. That was reiterated in an interview by Humphrey today. He is the top want and then Smith.
Hopkins, the man, the myth ... the headband ...
He does have access to Heyward. So, there is that. His takes on secondary recruiting are spot on. Greenfield, Slusher and Williams are all safeties. Even if Oregon loses one of Slusher/Williams, that’s two safeties. Smith and Humphrey both can play cb. Esteen is more of a nickel/Safety prospect.
Likewise, apparently Jamal Hill and McKinley have the nickel spot on lockdown. There is just not a ton of need to fight UW for Esteen.
You realize that if he is getting info from Heyward then it is propaganda from Heyward to help in recruiting kids?
Heyward could be really want Esteen more than those other guys, but he sees writing on wall and feeds Hopkins some lines about liking these others kids more because Heyward knows they have a shot with them and not Esteen.
Look, Hopkins readily admits that you have to consider that it’s just information. I have been around the block...a few times. However, contextually the narrative fits. McKinley and Hill are freshman nickel backs. Pickett, Holland, Stephens, Breeze, and Bridges are all safeties that aren’t seniors. There are two juniors and the rest are freshman save Holland, a true sophomore. There are three safeties in this class. Even if one of Slusher or Williams decommits that’s two. The staff is targeting more CBs and they’re concerned Esteen while versatile is a better fit at nickel/safety.
Oregon backing off Esteen is more need than perceived talent. It’s not WDWHA. Resources need to be allocated elsewhere.
Random question for you, Graham, Lenior and Pickett are not draftable imo this year and are JR's. So if no one beats them out who is gonna transfer out because all the guys Donte Williams has recruited the last 2 classes are not going to want to sit for 2+ years. Guys like Holland, Stephens, Wright, McKinley, etc.
How would I know that? That is a fluid situation. Everyone will have a clearer picture after camp.
The only spots locked in are Graham, Lenior and Holland. PIckett will battle Hailassie and McKinley will battle Woods and Hill.
It also wouldn’t surprise me to see Wright take a starting role at some point next year. He’s different. Likewise, Graham will graduate and as much as Huskies downplay his talent, he is getting national recognition.
Breeze could not play his 5th year or graduate transfer unless he greatly improves, Stephens needs to figure out the playbook,
They moved Hailassie, so there is room for a couple cbs in this class.
