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          On The Trail

          Ryan Kelley, No. 5 dual-threat QB, decommits from Oregon

          • Erik McKinney, ESPN Staff WriterMay 4, 2016, 07:00 PM
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            • Covers recruiting in the Pac-12
            • Joined ESPN in 2009
            • Graduated from USC
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          The quarterback carousel continues to turn when it comes to the Oregon Ducks, as Ryan Kelley, the nation’s No. 92 prospect and No. 5 dual-threat quarterback, announced his decommitment from the Ducks on Tuesday night.

          Kelley originally committed to the Ducks this past November, selecting Oregon over finalists Arizona State, Cal, Michigan State and UCLA.

          The decommitment leaves Oregon with just one commit in the 2017 class -- ESPN 300 defensive tackle Langi Tuifua -- and the Ducks searching for momentum on the trail.

          The market for Kelley should heat up instantaneously, as only the Spartans, among his finalists, hold a commitment from a quarterback. He also becomes just one of four ESPN 300 quarterbacks still uncommitted.

          The Ducks could go several ways in chasing a quarterback in this class. Oregon had a fairly easy time in flipping one-time Nebraska commitment Terry Wilson in the 2016 class, so going after a committed quarterback is on the table. Texas A&M commitment Tate Martell showed interest in the Ducks early in the process and announced recently that he will be taking all five of his official visits. New Alabama commitment Tua Tagovailoa is a Marcus Mariota disciple and would likely listen to the Ducks if an offer was extended.

          There have been a number of highs and lows when it comes to that position over the past few years, as the Ducks have produced a Heisman Trophy winner in Marcus Mariota, but have also seemingly been unable to find any long-term success in filling the position through recruiting the high school level. The Ducks look as though they could turn to a graduate transfer for the second-consecutive year, as Dakota Prukop hopes to follow the success found by Vernon Adams Jr.

          After Mariota signed in 2011, the Ducks signed Jake Rodrigues, Damion Hobbs and Morgan Mahalak from 2012-14. All have since transferred. Travis Jonsen and Wilson gave the Ducks two ESPN 300 quarterbacks in the past two classes and it looked as though Kelley would give the Ducks another huge commitment at the position for the 2017 class.

          Last year, the Ducks lost a commitment from quarterback Seth Green, who pledged early in the process and finished as the nation’s No. 15 dual-threat signal-caller, but were able to replace him with Wilson, the nation’s No. 6 dual-threat quarterback and No. 114 overall prospect. It will be difficult to make the same kind of upgrade this year, but the Ducks are certainly capable.