Oregon lands a commitment from versatile DB Azel Banag on National Signing Day

Columbia (S.C.) AC Flora three-star athlete Azel Banag has made his decision. After an extended evaluation process and a pivotal late-season official visit, the versatile defensive back has committed to Oregon.

Banag didn’t frame his choice as picking the Ducks over any specific school, though programs such as Northwestern, Wisconsin, and Georgia Tech were involved. Instead, his decision centered on where he felt the strongest connection and where his future felt most aligned.

“Oregon felt the most like home,” Banag told Rivals. “It was great to be around the staff and the players. A major piece of that comfort came from his relationship with Coach Hampton. He played with my dad at South Carolina, so having that relationship really meant a lot.”

Hampton’s reputation and football acumen stood out even more when Oregon reviewed Banag’s tape again at the end of the regular season.

“He’s a student of the game. He knows so much and what intrigues me the most is how so into it he is. When he played in college, he was lik a coach on the field. My dad told me that. Coach Hampton loves the game, he loves to coach, and it will be great learning from him.”

He is equally impressed with head coach Dan Lanning.

“I love his approach. He does it all and excels at a lot of things. I had a great time with him on the visit. We talked Oregon, football and even his shoe collection. He is a great coach.”

Banag chose the Ducks for many reasons

“The first thing is the development,” Banag said. “The DB room is great, and I really believe in them. Another thing is life after football. They set you up, whether it’s the NFL or a top job.”

For Banag, there’s also a childhood element that made his final choice feel surreal.

“As a kid playing NCAA, I always loved Oregon’s uniforms. I always wanted to wear them. Now I finally get that chance.”

The visit to Eugene proved decisive too.

“It was huge for me. I’d only seen Oregon on TV. It was good to see the community and the love they have for the program. I got to chop it up with the coaches, and the thing I love about Oregon is it’s football, football, football — no distractions. That’s what I want.”

Banag said there was no struggle in the process, but it was more about taking the time he needed.

“I think I knew on Tuesday,” he said. “I thought about it, prayed about it, and I just felt comfortable.”

Banag expects to play nickel in Oregon’s defense and believes the Ducks offer the perfect environment for his growth.