The news came out on Wednesday afternoon that former Rhode Island offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius would be signing with the Oregon Ducks and heading to Eugene for the remainder of his college career.
If you’re a Duck fan who isn’t currently celebrating, you had better start jumping for joy.
Cornelius was one of the most highly-coveted players in the transfer portal this offseason, garnering offers from some of the biggest schools in the Power 5 conferences, including the Miami Hurricanes, Ohio State Buckeyes, Tennessee Volunteers, and many, many others.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and over 300 pounds, Cornelius comes to Eugene with a chance to be a Day 1 starter on the Oregon offensive line, acting as an instant impact player who can help retool the Ducks’ front after losing four of five starters from the 2022 season. He brings 22 games of starting experience with him, as well as some character traits that will make him a veteran presence in the locker room.
“Maturity, power, intelligence,” a source told me of Cornelius on Tuesday. “He steps on campus ready to make an immediate impact.”
Here’s a closer look at who the Ducks are getting with the latest addition to their roster: