Oregon Ducks

Oregon recruits caught off guard by defensive staff changes

Published Jan. 4, 2016 7:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

On Monday it was announced that defensive coordinator Don Pellum would be demoted to linebackers coach and linebacker coach Erik Chinander would become the defensive coordinator at another FBS school, reportedly UCF.

Some of Oregon's highly-touted recruits were surprised by the moves. Four-star safety commit Brady Breeze, for one, was caught off guard by the news.

"It's kind of weird. That's some different news that I never thought would happen," said Breeze, via The Oregonian. "I thought Chinander was a huge Oregon guy. He was the guy that brought all of these linebackers into our recruiting class. I bet a lot of the linebackers that are committed right now aren't very happy. It'll be interesting to see what they are going to say."

Four-star cornerback Jared Mayden, who has set an official visit to Florida State and could also visit LSU, says the news is another factor in his decision.

"I didn't know there were changes happening," Mayden said, via The Oregonian. "It's a little... I haven't had a chance to think about it. It'll be a little different. I can't say too much until Coach Pellum or Coach Neal reach out and say something before I can put all my feelings towards it."

The Ducks have the No. 14 class in the country, according to Scout.com.