Son of former Oregon star commits to Ducks: ‘The best option for me’

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The Oregon Ducks have landed a dedication from 2025 quarterback Akili Smith Jr., the son of former Oregon star Akili Smith, who was chosen with the third total decide of the 1999 NFL Draft. 

Smith Jr. is out of San Diego and is the fifth-ranked quarterback within the 247 Sports activities 2025 class. 

The Oregon Ducks mascot at a game

The Oregon Geese’ mascot, Puddles, performs for the group throughout a Pac-12 soccer sport between the UCLA Bruins and Oregon Geese Oct. 22, 2022, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.  (Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs)

“I’ve all the time wished to go to Oregon,” Smith Jr. mentioned, based on 247 Sports activities. “Ever since I used to be younger, that’s all my dad had me sporting, Oregon gear and watching Oregon soccer.

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“Saying all that, it was nonetheless a enterprise determination for me, and my dad actually didn’t push me to choose Oregon. He wished this to be my determination, and I checked out a number of different faculties actually onerous. After I evaluated everybody equally, Oregon was the most suitable choice for me.”

Smith Jr.’s father was the Pac-12 Offensive Participant of the 12 months in 1998, main the Geese to an 8-4 file earlier than being chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals.  

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A Oregon Ducks helmet at the Senior Bowl

An Oregon Geese helmet throughout a Senior Bowl staff apply session Feb. 2, 2023, at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Cellular, Ala.   (Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs)

Smith Jr. is the fourth dedication within the 2025 class for second-year head coach Dan Lanning. 

Lanning, who led Oregon to a 10-3 file in 2022, discovered himself within the information Monday on account of his feedback on the University of Colorado’s move to the Large 12. 

The Buffaloes introduced final week that the 2023-24 season can be Colorado’s final within the Pac-12 convention. The Buffaloes are heading again to the Large 12 for the 2024-25 tutorial 12 months. 

Lanning took a parting shot on the Buffs as they put together for his or her ultimate season within the Pac-12. 

Dan Lanning looks on during Oregon's Spring Game

Head Coach Dan Lanning of the Oregon Geese through the Geese’ spring soccer sport at Autzen Stadium April 29, 2023, in Eugene, Ore.  (Ali Gradischer/Getty Photographs)

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“Not a giant response,” Lanning mentioned Monday. “I am making an attempt to recollect what they gained to have an effect on this convention, and I do not keep in mind. Do you keep in mind them profitable something? I do not keep in mind them profitable something.”

The Geese open the 2023 season towards Portland State Sept. 2. 

Fox Information’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report

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