One recruiting expert has the Ducks landing Kentucky guard Jasper Johnson.
Ever since Jasper Johnson entered the transfer portal, several programs have begun gaining momentum in the race to land the former Kentucky guard.
At different points, Alabama, Arkansas, and even Missouri were viewed as frontrunners. But now it seems a school outside the SEC has surged ahead.
On Friday, Larry Vaught reported that Oregon, Arkansas, and Missouri were the primary contenders for Johnson. Shortly after, 247Sports recruiting analyst Travis Branham logged a crystal ball pick projecting Johnson to Oregon, giving the Ducks a confidence rating of six.
For Kentucky fans, Johnson leaving the SEC would be a welcome development. Although the Woodford County native had an inconsistent freshman season, his upside is clear, and he still projects as someone who could grow into a strong college player. Watching him reach that potential within the SEC possibly against Kentucky would certainly sting.
Johnson averaged 4.9 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 rebounds in just 12 minutes per game over 35 appearances this past season. That production fell short of the flashes he showed in Kentucky’s exhibition game against Purdue, when he posted 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting (3-of-7 from three) with three assists in only 19 minutes.
If a team can regularly tap into that version of Johnson, he could turn into a major steal.
For now, Oregon appears to be in the best position to secure his commitment.
