Gatlin Bair, nation's No. 9 wide receiver and sprint star, previews Oregon Ducks official visit

The Oregon Ducks have four wide receiver commitments in the 2024 recruiting cycle, but are still putting in work to add to their future haul at pass-catcher.

Burley (Idaho) four-star wide receiver Gatlin Bair is taking an official visit to Oregon this weekend, but he isn't your typical class of 2024 prospect. As a member of the LDS church, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound pass-catcher intends to take a two-year Mission prior to his arrival on a college campus.

Still, even with that journey ahead of him, college football programs are eager to add him to their future plans at the wide receiver position.

Bair is rated the nation's No. 36 overall prospect, No. 9 wide receiver and is one of the fastest football recruits in recent memory.

This spring, the Idaho star clocked jaw-dropping times in the 100 (10.15) and 200 meter races (20.47, highlighting just how special he is as an athletic specimen. 

This weekend, Bair is eager to get a closer one at one of his top contenders:

"Oregon is always a winning program," he said. "I think coach (Dan) Lanning has a great staff in place. I really want to talk to some of the players and get to see their perspective. I also want to meet with the strength coaches and get to know them." 

So far, Bair has been adamant that he will not be running track during his collegiate career, instead focusing solely on football, where he also excels.

As a junior, the Idaho standout hauled in. 73 receptions for 1,073 yards and 18 touchdowns, numbers that have programs such as Alabama, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, TCU and many others vying for his services.

In mid-April, Bair trimmed that list to a top five of Boise State, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon and TCU.

He hopes to make a decision in the coming months. 

Bair said his decision timeline remains "pretty fluid," but he is looking to make his college commitment "around August."

Could this weekend's Oregon official visit be a key to that eventual decision?

It should certainly provide Bair with a lot more to consider.

Junior season highlights