Oregon, Oregon State upbeat on football signing day

EUGENE, Ore. (AP)–Oregon’s new coach, Mario Cristobal, beat out Alabama and USC on national college football signing day.

The Ducks scored four-star offensive guard Penei Sewell, who hails from Saint George, Utah, is considered one of the top offensive linemen in the nation.

The 6-foot-5, 310-pounder made his choice dramatic: He had been expected to announce his commitment during the early signing period in December but then he decided to wait.

And he was one of the last future Ducks to officially commit on Wednesday.

“It’s a great example of the type of battles that Oregon is capable of winning. He’s an ultimate difference maker,” Cristobal said.

Meanwhile, Oregon State squared off with Nebraska and the Beavers came out OK.

They lost one potential recruit to Nebraska, but lured another one from the Huskers.

First-year Beavers coach Jonathan Smith lost receiver Andre Hunt to new Nebraska coach Scot Frost. The three-star prospect from Lancaster, California, had previously committed to USC.

But Smith did land Matthew Tago, a four-star outside linebacker out of Palmdale, California, who was also considering Nebraska.

The Beavers were challenged in recruiting by last year’s upheaval and a 1-11 overall record: Former coach Gary Andersen stepped away in the midst of last season.