Willie Taggart has an interesting job ahead of him as the head coach of the Oregon Ducks. The program dipped violently in the recent past from where it was during the Chip Kelly era, and while Taggart has the pedigree to inspire confidence, he will have to face the 2017 season without a once-prominent recruit.
Former four-star wide receiver Jalen Brown announced on Tuesday that he will be transferring elsewhere to pursue a Master's degree.
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In his announcement, Brown explained his next step, shedding some light on how an early enrollee from 2014 could already be transferring in this fashion.
"After careful consideration, once I complete the next two terms here at the University of Oregon and graduate in June 2017, I will be looking to continue my collegiate career at another institution. I have received my permission to contact, and I am in the process of evaluating opportunities at other schools to obtain my master's degree and play my final 2 years of college football. I am blessed to have been a part of this program, and I am also looking forward to the journey ahead of me. I will miss my teammates and friends here in Eugene, and I wish the Ducks great success in the future."
During his career in Eugene, Brown produced a total of 26 catches for 407 yards and four touchdowns, but he could have been in line for a more prominent role in 2017. The Ducks do return both Darren Carrington and Charles Nelson, the team's two leading pass-catchers, for next season but Taggart and his staff will be tasked with replenishing the cupboard with talent in a hurry.
Jalen Brown's next step will be an interesting one, but it won't be at Oregon.
