With players from throughout the country dotting the Oregon roster, Portland (Ore.) Jesuit offensive lineman Doug Brenner (6-3, 285), knows when he gets to Eugene next fall, he’ll have an extra measure of pride.
“Coach (Chip) Kelly said he’s making it a point to get the absolute best kids in Oregon to go to Oregon and I have the same pride,” said Brenner. “I want to represent a school like Oregon but also the state of Oregon.”
Brenner became the third in-state prospect to commit to the Ducks, joining Beaverton (Ore.) Aloha running back Thomas Tyner and West Linn (Ore.) offensive tackle Evan Voeller.
“We see each other at every camp we go to and every game, and we’re all excited to represent Oregon together,” said Brenner.
Brenner committed to the Ducks in early September after getting an offer following their season opening-win over Arkansas State and committing following their win over Fresno State.
“I knew they were going to call me and tell me where I stood after the Arkansas State game but I didn’t know if it was going to be an offer, but they called me and liked my film,” said Brenner. “It was a tough decision because I had a lot of good relationships with other coaches at other schools, but I decided Oregon was the best fit for me.”
Brenner said it became clearer and clearer that Oregon was where he was supposed to be.
“It’s just an exciting time to be a part of Oregon football,” said Brenner. “My parents talked about it, and we just decided Oregon was the best place to be. “I have a sister down there (three sport star Liz Brenner), and it will be fun to go to school with her for two years.”
Brenner also knew the opportunity to play for Kelly and offensive line coach Steve Greatwood was one he didn’t want to pass up.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity to be coached by Coach Greatwood and Coach Kelly,” said Brenner. “Coach Greatwood has been there for so long and he has really been successful. For me, going to the camp this summer and working with him a lot one-on-one, I got to see how he treats his players.”
Greatwood has talked with Brenner about where they see him fitting on the offensive line.
“They’re thinking center or guard, so I’m very happy about that,” said Brenner. “I think it will work out really well. They talked about how I was a multi-sport athlete, and that I played fullback and tight end and showed I’m versatile so they like that.”
Brenner was also happy to get his decision out of the way before the rest of his senior year got rolling.
“It was a huge relief and it’s a huge weight lifted off my shoulders,” said Brenner. “Now I can focus on Jesuit football and be the best player I can be.”
Next weekend, Brenner and Jesuit will take on Tyner and Aloha, a game that could have major league stakes involved, but will also pit the future teammates against each other.
“I’m excited to be his (Tyner’s) teammate and wish him nothing but the best,” said Brenner. “It should be a fun game.”