After a sleepy start to the spring, the Ducks have emerged as lions on the recruiting trail after notching a handful of high-profile commitments over the past several weeks.

Yet, the latest addition to their momentum-gathering 2021 recruiting class wasn’t exactly a household name in recruiting circles when the spring began.

My, what a difference an offer can make.

After picking up one of his first Pac-12 offers from Oregon on April 8, Chula Vista (Calif.) Mater Dei Catholic three-star cornerback Darren Barkins made the call for the Ducks Saturday, punctuating a roughly two-month stretch that saw Barkins garner offers from the likes of Oklahoma, Louisville, Washington, and Utah.

My whole life I’ve been waiting for this moment….100% COMMITTED !! 🦆💚 #GoDucks #TakeFlight21 #CaliFlock @TeamMakasi @coachjoynermd @Coach_Chance @coach_cristobal @AADucksDC @CoachHeyward pic.twitter.com/u7W2vPM6nL

— darren barkins (@darrenjbarkins) May 30, 2020

The addition of Barkins to the Ducks’ 2021 class nets Oregon it’s second defensive back and the fifth defensive player who has pledged a verbal commitment to Mario Cristobal and company this cycle. Hailing from the same high school that produced another underrated talent in current Ducks running back CJ Verdell, Barkins inclusion in this class elevates Oregon to 10th nationally per 247Sports’ Composite Team Rankings.

Below we take a closer look at Barkins’ 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:

• Willowy build: The biggest knock on Barkins, and perhaps the main thing preventing him from rocketing up the recruiting rankings even more, is his slender build. With as much talent as Barkins flashes on film, it’s hard ignore how thin he is for a fast-rising FBS prospect. Changing his body composition will be the first hurdle for Barkins to clear once he arrives in Eugene.
• Raw coverage skills: With experience at both wide receiver and cornerback at the high school level, Barkins hasn’t spent a ton of time honing his skills at one position. There’s no questioning Barkins’ athleticism, but he’s a developmental prospect at corner who will require some patience.

Notable strengths:

• Dynamic, long-limbed athlete: Listed at 6-feet and 170 pounds, Barkins combines very good length with outstanding athleticism and instincts, making him an intriguing future prospect at corner. In particular, the ball skills Barkins demonstrates as a wide receiver should translate well to an Oregon defense that has prided itself on its playmaking prowess under defensive coordinator Andy Avalos.
• Great speed: A long-strider with terrific initial burst, Barkins shouldn’t have any trouble sticking with some of the fastest receivers the Pac-12 has to offer. His speed and game-breaking ability could also serve him well in a return man capacity should he get the opportunity.
• Underrated physicality, toughness: Barkins may lack the bulk you’d prefer, but you can’t knock his willingness to play a physical brand of football. His fearlessness in attacking ball carriers and effectiveness in bringing them to the ground is an encouraging sign when coupled with his anticipated physical development.

Overall outlook:

Few prospects have enjoyed the kind of meteoric rise in their recruitment during COVID-19 than Darren Barkins. With just a handful of offers from FBS and Group of Five programs, Barkins saw his recruiting profile take off right around the time he received an offer from Oregon back in early April. Since then, Barkins’ name been one of the hottest on the West Coast at the cornerback position, as programs from across the country have taken notice of the impressive array of talents he possesses. The biggest challenge Barkins faces in making the transition from high school to college will be reshaping his lightweight frame. Ideally, Barkins will get a chance to add 10 to 15 pounds of muscle by utilizing his redshirt before hitting the field in full for the Ducks in 2022. If he can achieve that while also refining some of his underdeveloped skills at corner, Barkins’ commitment could be regarded as one of the steals from the 2021 cycle, as the necessary athletic tools for success are already firmly in place.

Top Photo: Chula Vista (Calif.) Mater Dei Catholic DB Darren Barkins (247Sports)