Tionne Gray, 4-star defensive lineman and SEC pledge, flips to Oregon Ducks

When Hazelwood Central (Missouri) four-star defensive lineman Tionne Gray committed to the in-state Missouri Tigers last month, it was seen as a major recruiting coup for the program.

The mammoth 6-foot-6, 295-pound defensive tackle is a rarity given his size, and had therefore accumulated double-digit offers, highlighted by Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas State, Tennessee, Washington and others.

Unfortunately for Missouri, the Tigers were able to take the commitment but couldn't hold on to it.

On Thursday, Gray flipped from Missouri to Oregon after an unofficial visit to Eugene:

"First and foremost, I want to say thank you to the Mizzou football family," Gray posted on social media. "Coach Drink, Coach Davis, and the entire staff have been great throughout this entire process. After careful consideration, I have decided to de-commit from the University of Missouri. This is not a decision that I take lightly, however I must make the best decision for my life and football future. I have decided to commit to the University of Oregon. I look forward to Saturdays in Eugene." 

Gray is rated the nation's No. 327 overall prospect, No. 34 defensive lineman and No. 9 prospect in Missouri.

For the big-bodied lineman, his recent visit proved to be the difference maker in his recruitment.

"Eugene is an amazing city," Gray said. "I loved every minute being down there. I feel like it's the best option for me as a person to grow and for my future inside and outside of football." 

For Oregon, he represents the program's first Missouri commitment since securing Raytown five-star cornerback Dontae Manning in the class of 2020.

Gray is Oregon's third commitment in the month of April, joining Forney (Texas) four-star safety Aaron Flowers and West Salem (Oregon) three-star offensive tackle Trent Ferguson.

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