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Oregon Football: 5 reasons why Willie Taggart is the answer, long-term

By Erich Hilkert

Apr 29, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon head coach Willie Taggart walks on the field before the game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon head coach Willie Taggart walks on the field before the game at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 21, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Willie Taggart talks with fans during spring practice at the Oregon Ducks outdoor practice facility . Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Willie Taggart talks with fans during spring practice at the Oregon Ducks outdoor practice facility . Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Recruiting part II: Big picture

Taggart has recruited far and wide, bringing in much higher-rated players from California, connecting with athletes from Florida (since he still has that connection), connecting with Colorado athletes with defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt’s connections, pulling recruits from North Carolina, some from in-state and reeling in one from Arizona.

In fact, some might say the only major improvement needed from Taggart in terms of recruiting is regaining Oregon’s grip on in-state athletes.

For that, he will need time. Because Bellotti, Kelly and Helfrich built ties within the program, they were better equipped to recruit local prep athletes. Nevertheless, Taggart connects with recruits because he relates to high school athletes and plays the social media game required for a head coach to be a successful recruiter now.

There is no question Taggart is ambitious in recruiting and wants to find top talent regardless of whether that involves lengthy travel plans to reel in that talent.

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