Even with a few more pressure-packed days remaining before the Ducks expectedly sign the lion’s share of their 2020 recruiting class this coming Wednesday, Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff haven’t ignored the importance of building a strong foundation for next year’s class. That was proven out Sunday, as the Ducks landed a verbal commitment from Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star wide receiver Kyron Ware-Hudson.

C O M M I T T E D‼️ pic.twitter.com/tlgXtc4EeJ

— KYRON WARE-HUDSON🇬🇧 (@kyron___hudson) December 15, 2019

The younger brother of Oregon true freshman defensive lineman Keyon Ware-Hudson, Kyron is the first receiver and fifth prospect overall to verbally commit to the Ducks’ fast-rising 2021 recruiting class, joining four-star prospects Seven McGee, Anthony Beavers, and Keith Brown alongside three-star commit Jackson Light. With nine offers to date from notable programs such as LSU, Arizona State, and Nebraska, Ware-Hudson’s commitment gives the Ducks the nation’s eighth-ranked recruiting class in 2021 per 247Sports’ Composite Team Rankings.

Below we take a closer look at Ware-Hudson’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:

• Doesn’t possess great breakaway speed: If you’re expecting a receiver who is going to stretch the field with speed, Ware-Hudson is going to leave you wanting in this department. He’s certainly not a player who moves as if he has cinder blocks on his feet, but we do have concerns about his ability to consistently gain separation at the next level.
• Lacks elite athleticism: In addition to lacking the kind of speed that threatens to take the top off a defense, Ware-Hudson is neither a player who possesses explosive leaping ability, quickness, or agility. He’s a player who can help you move the chains consistently, but isn’t someone who will rely on elite quick twitch ability to make big plays after the catch.

Notable strengths:

• Powerfully built: Listed at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Ware-Hudson is one of the more physically developed receivers you’ll find in the 2021 class. His strength is undoubtedly one of his most valuable assets, and in time, Ware-Hudson could be a player that rather easily develops into a chiseled 215-220-pound pass catcher who can be deployed in myriad ways within an offensive scheme.
• Polished receiver skills: What Ware-Hudson lacks in speed and explosive athleticism, he more than makes up for with refined pass catching skills. On film, Ware-Hudson demonstrates strong, sure hands, sharp route-running skills, and the strength and body control to make contested catches through contact. He’s a player who is built to move the chains and win in confined spaces.
• Strong perimeter blocker: Given his physical strength, Ware-Hudson also has the tools to be a quality perimeter and downfield blocker as a wide receiver at the next level. He certainly demonstrates those skills on tape, as he’s often seen relishing his opportunities to dominate opposing defensive backs at the point of attack.

Overall outlook:

Though the Ducks don’t necessarily address their need for speed at wide receiver with the addition of Kyron Ware-Hudson, they do get a player who is physically mature and a proven producer playing for one of the nation’s top high school teams competing in one of the nation’s toughest high school divisions. Fresh off a breakout junior season, Ware-Hudson exploded for 59 receptions for 853 yards and 13 touchdowns in his first full season of varsity football for Mater Dei. His build and style of play will draw comparisons to former NFL receivers like Anquan Boldin and Dez Bryant. And while Ware-Hudson has miles to go before coming close to reaching the potential of those players, it’s not hard to see Ware-Hudson rounding into that kind of powerful, pass catching presence by the time his career at Oregon comes to a close. We do worry about his ability to separate from defenders consistently and there may be some concern that he’s close to maxing out physically, but this is a quality early addition for Mario Cristobal and company. There are other more high-profile receivers that the Ducks will target during the 2021 recruiting cycle, but Ware-Hudson may have the highest floor of any of the other wide receivers Oregon winds up signing in this class.

Top Photo: Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei WR Kyron Ware-Hudson (Kyron Ware-Hudson/Twitter)