What are the Ducks getting in Seth Figgins?


Recruiting / Monday, October 15th, 2018

As if things couldn’t get any better in the aftermath of Oregon’s thrilling 30-27 overtime victory over Washington this past weekend, the Ducks continue to feel the positive reverberations emanating from an unforgettable Saturday afternoon inside Autzen Stadium.

On Monday night, Oregon’s weekend received a final exclamation point, this time on the recruiting front, as Thousand Oaks (Calif.) Westlake three-star tight end Seth Figgins announced his verbal commitment to the Ducks.

Having already taken an unofficial visit for Oregon’s spring game this past April, Figgins returned to Eugene over the weekend as one of a handful of unofficial visitors from the 2020 class to take in the victory over the Huskies. Despite being hampered with an injury since the winter, Figgins remains one of the most highly-touted tight end prospects in the country for the class of 2020, ranking as the 12th-best tight end nationally per 247Sports’ Composite rankings.

Oregon lands Figgins’ commitment after it was the first school to provide him with an FBS offer this past January. Figgins also held notable scholarship offers from USC, Arizona State, Texas, and Utah. Figgins is Oregon’s lone verbal commitment to its 2020 recruiting class after Stone Mountain (Ga.) Stephenson two-star wide receiver Donnovan Moorer de-committed from the program back in late July.

With well over a year between now and when Figgins can officially sign a letter of intent with the Ducks, it’s a little early to consider Figgins a stone cold lock for the 2020 class. However, his commitment does get the ball rolling on what could be another tremendous recruiting haul for Oregon next cycle.

Below we take a closer look at Figgins’ 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:

  • Tight end skills need refinement: Based on his sophomore film, it’s clear that Figgins has a ton of natural ability though is still pretty raw, particularly when it comes to playing the tight end position. Figgins doubles as both a tight end and defensive end at the high school level, and while he has the look of a player who can be a jack-of-all-trades athlete, he’s currently a master of none.
  • Durability: Figgins has yet to make an impact as a junior as he works his way back from an injury. While his injury history isn’t well known, his ability to stay healthy will be something to keep tabs on as his career progresses.

Notable strengths:

  • Willing and able blocker: This might be an oversimplified label considering what Figgins has shown on film. He is both strong at the point of attack and doesn’t shy away from getting physical with defenders. Figgins is a nasty competitor who finishes blocks like an offensive lineman.
  • Terrific all-around athlete: Whether he’s deployed as a tight end or defensive end, Figgins plays with great fluidity and body control for a 6-foot-7, 225-pound high school junior. A very smooth and physically advanced athlete for his age.
  • Natural skills as a pass catcher: Figgins’ size and athleticism is a tantalizing combination as is, but his natural pass catching ability is what could ultimately set him apart. With time, he could develop into an exciting future prospect at tight end.

Overall outlook:

So much can happen between now and a year and a half from now when Figgins can officially sign his letter of intent. Injuries could set back his development, other programs could become more enticing, the current Oregon roster could endure a radical shakeup…it’s hard to do too much speculating at this juncture. However, based on the little that we’ve seen from Figgins, it appears at the very least like the Ducks are getting one of the top “jumbo” athletes on the West Coast in the 2020 class. In terms of the competition Figgins will face when he arrives on campus, there could be an opportunity for Figgins to make waves early. Current tight ends Jacob Breeland, Ryan Bay, and Kano Dillon will be long gone, while Hunter Kampmoyer and Cam McCormick will be seniors once 2020 rolls around. Depending on the health of McCormick, who is currently recovering from a season-ending leg injury, the toughest competition could come from Spencer Webb and 2019 commit Patrick Herbert. Each will be entering their redshirt sophomore/junior and redshirt freshman/sophomore years, respectively, by the time Figgins arrives.

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