Dan Lanning talks about adding Justius Lowe, Jordan James

Oregon football landed a pair of talented skill players in its 2022 recruiting class in Justius Lowe and Jordan James. The incoming freshman have a chance to contribute immediately for a Ducks team in need.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning, the Georgia defensive coordinator in 2021, flipped James’ commitment from the Bulldogs. A Tennessee native, James is the No. 18 running back in the 2022 class according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

With leading rusher Travis Dye having transferred to USC, the Ducks could ask their new tailback to contribute right away.

“Jordan is a guy that I’ve had a relationship with before my time at Georgia,” Lanning said in his National Signing Day press conference. “Also really fortunate that coach (Carlos) Locklyn in his previous job had a relationship with Jordan just in case an opportunity like this would ever present itself. He’s a dynamic player who obviously has a chance to be a one-touch touchdown kind of guy.”

In Lowe, the Ducks kept one of the top local talents at home. The Portland native is the No. 2 player in the state of Oregon and No. 54 wide receiver according to On3 Consensus. He is one of three recruits from the state of Oregon in the 15-man class.

“Justice, we’re gonna battle to keep the best in our state,” Lanning said. “We think we should be able to keep the best in our state and obviously he’s in that category. Before the day’s over with, people will realize we were able to be really competitive in our state and get guys on board. I’m thrilled about him, but I’m more thrilled about what kind of people both of those young men are.”

The Ducks also lost top receiver Devon Williams to the NFL draft and Mycah Pittman to transfer. That opens up more opportunity for Lowe to contribute in his freshman season.

Oregon signed the top recruiting class in the Pac-12 and No. 17 in the country according On3’s Consensus Team Rankings. Both Jordan James and Justius Lowe are a big part of that, and should make a name for themselves in Eugene the next few years.

Dan Lanning will make his head coaching debut on Sept. 3 against his former team when Oregon opens the 2022 season against Georgia.