Oregon Ducks spring game: Grading the event and recruiting impact

The Oregon Ducks hosted their annual spring game over the weekend in what amounted to one of the biggest recruiting events in program history.

So, how did it go? 

Here's are the grades for Oregon's spring game - with analysis on the short-term and long-term recruiting impact. 

Fan turnout: A

45,000 fans.

Heading into the week, multiple top recruits indicated they wanted to get a feel for what a game day experience is like in Eugene.

For most Pac-12 programs, presenting an authentic fall game day environment in the spring would be a pipe dream.

Oregon's fanbase delivered, and several recruits at the Elite 11 Eugene regional expressed their amazement.

Given that the recruiting calendar has moved up in recent years - recruits can take spring/summer official visits and many are committing before their senior years - it's imperative to make a big impression in the spring.

The fanbase provided a perfect atmosphere to showcase what Oregon has to offer. 

Weather/atmosphere: A+

It was a picture perfect day in Eugene.

Of course, "It never rains in Autzen Stadium," but the huge turnout coupled with a beautfiul Oregon spring day provided the perfect backdrop for Dan Lanning's program. 

Recruiting turnout: A

Billed as the biggest recruiting weekend in program history, Oregon hosted dozens of top recruits on campus, including several five-star prospects.

So, why isn't this an A+?

A few weeks ago both Pinnacle (Arizona) quarterback Dylan Raiola and Duncanville (Texas) edge-rusher Colin Simmons, the nation's No. 1 and 3 overall prospects, respectively, had plans to visit for the big weekend. 

Neither ended up making the trip, although Raiola was in attendance at the Elite 11 Eugene regional at Sheldon High School on Sunday. 

Raiola's change-of-heart was anticipated, while Simmons appeared to be a "maybe" until closer to the event.

Neither is likely to end up in green and yellow. 

Still, it was an historic weekend in Eugene.

Immediate recruiting impact: B+ 

Fans who were clamoring for multiple commitments were likely disappointed with the immediate recruiting impact.

But there was buzz.

Sunnyslope (Arizona) three-star quarterback Luke Moga kicked off the weekend with a Friday commitment, and multiple recruits at the Elite 11 Eugene regional indicated the Ducks also picked up another significant (silent) pledge.

Two commitments in one weekend is a solid start, but the immediate impact is a bit more abstract. 

Oregon, once again, hosted Mater Dei (California) five-star offensive lineman Brandon Baker, the nation's No. 1 offensive tackle, and it appears the Ducks may be the team to beat after this weekend.

The 6-foot-5, 285-pound lineman has been high on the Ducks for months. 

IMG Academy (Florida) five-star prospect David Stone, the nation's No. 2 defensive lineman, may also give Oregon a harder look going forward following his trip, although Oklahoma and Michigan State appear to be his unofficial top 2.

Oregon also hosted Vestavia Hills (Alabama) five-star defensive lineman Jordan Ross and Oak Ridge (Texas) four-star defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, and will look to turn those visits into the foundation to set up future officials. 

Dan Lanning's program continued to build a strong bond with St. Frances Academy (Maryland) four-star quarterback Michael Van Buren, and it now appears as though the Ducks lead Penn State and Maryland for his services. 

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound signal-caller is close to making a decision. 

At linebacker, Oregon is thought to be the top contender for both Oak Ridge (Texas) five-star linebacker Justin Williams and Campbell Hall (California) four-star linebacker Kamar Mothudi.

Oregon is also a major player for Yelm (Washington) star Brayden Platt, the nation's No. 9 linebacker and one of the country's top throwers in track and field.

The Ducks will get an official visit and are likely to remain a serious threat to the end. 

In the class of 2025, it looks like Oregon is a major contender Lincoln (California) four-star prospect Akili Smith Jr., the nation's No. 5 quarterback, and that relationship took a step forward this weekend. 

Mandarin (Florida) five-star wide receiver Jaime Ffrench, a class of 2025 receiver, was blown away by his trip to Eugene and may visit again in the future. 

So, perhaps the immediate impact is a slow burn, but Oregon did move into contender status for some top prospects and seemingly became the "team to beat" for a few others.

Major progress was made - even if it didn't lead to a series of pledges. 

Long-term recruiting impact: A

As described above, the recruiting impact of Oregon's spring game showcase may take time to materialize, but it appears it will be worth the wait.

If Oregon can land Baker, Williams, Van Buren and Mothudi - all reasonable projections - and earn official visits from a few other five-star recruits (which gives them a chance), the long-term impact could easily move to an A+ grade.

In truth, it would be extremely difficult for even the most pessimistic of analysts to give the Ducks anything lower than an A.

Recruits gave universally positive reviews. 

Overall: A+

The "cumulative GPA" isn't an A+.

But that's not what we're saying here.

The overall grade bakes in the difficulty of getting high marks in each individual component of the weekend, which is extremely difficult to pull off. 

The fan turnout, the weather, the visitor list and the potential recruiting impact all earned A grades.

Sure, a series of immediate (public) commitments could've taken the buzz to another level, but the entire event has earned national praise and should lead to major recruiting additions in the classes of 2024 and 2025 in the future. 

Lanning's program - and the Oregon fanbase - crushed it!