Call it the "Califlock," the "Mater Dei Movement," or just a solid recruiting effort by Oregon Ducks coach Mario Cristobal and his staff, but no matter how you slice it Oregon has resurrected a pipeline to the state of California.
After Mark Helfrich failed to land a top-45 California talent in the class of 2016, the Ducks have worked tirelessly to rectify that recruiting void.
On Sunday, Oregon flexed its muscle in "The Golden State," continuing to build on its collection of Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana) talent by securing the commitments of Sean Dollars and Jeremiah Criddell:
The duo announced their decision together at Athletic Republic in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Dollars, the nation's No. 1 all-purpose back, and Criddell, the nation's No. 6 cornerback, join four-star teammates defensive tackle Keyon Ware-Hudson and linebacker Mase Funa in Oregon's 2019 recruiting class.
Dollars, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound ball-carrier, has long been considered an Oregon lean, and has a close relationship with former Rancho Cucamonga High School teammates Thomas Graham Jr. and Jaylon Redd.
Despite a coaching change last winter, Dollars indicated Oregon's recruitment never wavered - nor did his interest.
"Oregon is definitely in my top," Dollars told The Oregonian in March. "You would think, out of all these offers a school would fall off, but no. Oregon has really been on top of it, even after the coaching change, which really impressed me, which would impress any player, after a coaching change. It really brings to my attention that they really want me, that they're still on me after this whole year. And, of course, Oregon is definitely on top."
Those sentiments only grew stronger after his visit for the spring game, as he admitted he was close to committing while in Eugene.
"My trip to Oregon was very fun, and, I mean, as in any college you visit your emotions start jumping and mine were high," he said. "But then you have to go home and let those emotions go away and make a good decision."
That decision finally came Sunday, as Dollars chose Oregon over fellow finalists Florida State, Georgia, Nevada, USC and Washington, as well as offers from California, Colorado, Florida, Nebraska, TCU, UCLA, Utah, Washington State and others.
Dollars' commitment marks the second time in four years that the Ducks have landed the nation's No. 1 all-purpose back, as he joins class of 2015 ball-carrier Taj Griffin.
With the commitment of Dollars and Criddell, Oregon has nine pledges in its 2019 class and remains in the top spot in the early Pac-12 Conference rankings.
-- Andrew Nemec
anemec@oregonian.com
@AndrewNemec