Fox Crader, nation's No. 12 offensive tackle, has high praise for Oregon Ducks following crucial visit

Evergreen High School (Washington) junior Caedmon "Fox" Crader never could have imagined he'd be here.

The 6-foot-6, 275-pound class of 2024 offensive lineman didn't take up football until his freshman year in high school.

Now, he's rated the nation's No. 12 offensive tackle and holds offers from double-digit college football programs, highlighted by Oregon, Miami, USC and Washington.

Throughout the early stages of his recruitment, Oregon has remained at the forefront and Crader has made several trips to Eugene.

Believing last weekend's visit for the UCLA game was crucial, Crader asked his father, Scott Crader, to fly in from Texas to see the program for himself.

"I've been to Oregon multiple times now, whether it be to check out the facilities or a game or my third game last weekend," he said. "My dad actually flew it for this game because I wanted him to see what they've got going on over here. He lives in Texas right now, so he's over here hoping I get to a school in Texas. But I told him, 'Oregon has been recruiting me the hardest out of anybody, so I want you to see what they've got going on.'" 

So, what did Dad think?

"They won against UCLA. It was a big game," Fox Crader said. "I love what they've got going on over there. My dad loves it. I think that, as far as recruitment, that's pretty much my top option right now."

>>> Prediction: Oregon Ducks to beat out Miami, USC for bluechip offensive lineman

On a personal level, Crader has bonded with Oregon offensive line coach Adrian Klemm, who has made him - and his entire family - a priority. 

"He's actually probably recruiting me the hardest," Crader said. "We talk all of the time and are in a bunch of group chats together. Every time I'm down there he makes it a priority to see what's going on with me and my mom, and now my dad. He's a great guy and a great O-line coach. He's already taught me some things, critiquing my film and through camps." 

That relationship is so strong, in fact, that Crader has debated locking in his commitment. 

"I've talked about it a few times," he said. "We're waiting for God's timing. It's a possibility, but we're going to go with the flow and we'll see." 

One school that could pose a threat to Oregon is USC. 

"I'd love to get down to USC at some point and check out some other schools that are showing interest," Crader said. "They are a really historic school, so that's one of the biggest things. They're just getting on me in recruiting, so I'm still learning about them. Obviously there are a prestigious university academically, so I'm really interested in them. If I can get down there at some point, I would love to." 

As it stands, Oregon appears to be in the lead.

And now has the blessing of both Crader's mom and dad, a key to his recruitment.

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