Nasir Wyatt, nation's No. 2 edge-rusher, considers Oregon a 'top contender,' re-engages with USC

Entering this weekend's "Junior Day" trip at the University of Oregon, Mater Dei (California) linebacker Nasir Wyatt knows what to expect.

The nation's No. 2 edge-rusher was visited by coach Dan Lanning in-person earlier this week and he's been told the Oregon staff intends to crank up the energy to try to land his commitment.

For Wyatt's part, he remains intrigued by the Ducks ahead of the crucial trek.

“I’m feeling great about it," he said. "I’ve been talking about it with my mom and my dad. This third trip is going to be the trip to see if they are going to make it happen.”

Wyatt still has several trips to take - Michigan (March 9), Tennessee (May 27) and Miami (TBD) - but the Ducks are clearly solidly in the mix for his services.

“I view Oregon as a top contender, because they have a lot to offer and the defensive background they have is unbelievable with Coach Tosh (Lupoi) and Coach Lanning," he said.

When describing Oregon's approach, Wyatt almost always mentions Lupoi and Lanning together, as both coaches have become crucial parts of the efforts to bring him to Eugene.

And that level of attention has made a big impression.

“It’s meant a lot," Wyatt said. "A lot of head coach could’ve come up here to see me, but Coach Lanning was one of the only head coaches to come and see me. They talked about how hard they want me and how important it is to play under them.”

Another program that recently sent its head coach to see Wyatt was USC, a school the Mater Dei star temporarily pushed to the backburner after coaching changes. 

"After a time, they were eliminated and I wasn’t hearing much from them," he admitted.

But the Trojans have brought in new defensive coaches, and the hires have resonated with Wyatt early.

“My relationship with USC is good," he said. "I saw coach (Lincoln) Riley and coach (Eric) Henderson (on Friday). Coach Hendy has worked with Von Miller and Aaron Donald. They’ve got something cookin’."

It may be too early to say who will end up the winner of the "Wyatt sweepstakes," but clearly this weekend's trip to Oregon is a big one - both for the Ducks and for the Wyatt family.

Junior season highlights