There are commitments you see coming from a country mile, and then there are commitments that smack you right upside the head.
The verbal commitment the Ducks received Tuesday night from Auburn (Calif.) Placer three-star offensive lineman Joey Capra definitely qualifies as the latter.
Formerly a verbal commit to Arizona State, Capra – the younger brother of Oregon offensive lineman Jacob Capra – had a change of heart after reportedly receiving an offer from Oregon shortly after pledging to the Sun Devils on July 2.
Heard #M19HTYOREGON has a flock coming from Cali! Count me in!💯🐥 pic.twitter.com/XSzGSuAgcj
— Joey Capra (@JoeyCapra) August 1, 2018
Capra joins four-star JUCO transfer Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu as the two offensive linemen committed to Oregon’s 2019 recruiting class, which currently ranks at the nation’s fifth-ranked class – just decimal points ahead of Oklahoma – per 247Sports’ Composite Team Rankings.
Below we take a closer look at Capra’s game, examining his weaknesses and strengths, as well as projecting how he may make an impact for the Ducks when he ultimately arrives on campus.
Notable weaknesses:
- Not an elite athlete: While he’s certainly no stiff, Capra’s game isn’t predicated on elite-level athleticism. Against players with great quickness or athleticism, he could get exposed, though that’s less of an issue at a position like center opposed to tackle.
- Suspect pass blocking skills: There isn’t much film available showing Capra operating as a pass blocker in game situations, so it’s hard to assess where his skill lies in that department. In order to overcome that perception, he’ll need to prove early in his collegiate career that he can be more than just a punishing run blocker.
Notable strengths:
- Terrific finisher: Hooo boy, does Capra play with a mean streak! Standing 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds, Capra is at his best as a run blocker, and when gets his chance, he’s ruthlessly efficient in burying his opponent. He’s a fundamentally sound player who plays with a bulldog mentality.
- Quick feet: Capra moves well for a player his size and is very quick exploding from his stance, making him particularly effective at the point of attack. When gets a defender in his sights, he does a great job eliminating them from the play.
- Intelligence: Carrying a 4.0 GPA is no small task, but Capra makes balancing school work and football look easy. Projected to play center at the next level, Capra’s smarts will be put to good use, as he will be looked upon to keep the line organized and operating as one.
Overall outlook:
While his commitment sure came as a surprise, there’s no question that Capra belongs as a member of this ballyhooed 2019 recruiting class that Oregon is building. Though he’s a guppy in terms of size relative to just about every other lineman the Ducks have either signed or landed a verbal commitment from since Mario Cristobal’s arrival in Eugene, he has the ideal foundation for future success at center. He may need to wait his turn if mainstay Jake Hanson doesn’t elect to leave school early for the NFL following the upcoming season, but whenever Hanson does make his exit, expect Capra to be to be on the shortlist of candidates to serve as Hanson’s heir apparent.