At the Navy All-American Bowl this past January, Will Mencl, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback from Chandler, Arizona, truly made his mark. Standing at 6-3 and weighing in at 200 pounds, Mencl showcased his poise and precision against top-tier competition, earning himself a coveted fourth star in the recruiting world.
Following this standout performance, Mencl's recruitment took off. Florida State was quick to offer, and soon after, Oklahoma State, Miami, Duke, and Washington joined the fray. Notably, experts like Adam Gorney and Steve Wiltfong from On3 Sports have predicted that Mencl might commit to the Oregon Ducks.
This potential commitment is significant for Oregon's head coach, Dan Lanning. In recent years, the Ducks have experienced some turbulence, gaining and then losing commitments from promising quarterbacks like Jaron Keawe-Sagopolutele and Bryson Beaver, who eventually signed with Cal and Georgia, respectively. Securing Mencl would be a vital step in building a solid future for the Ducks' quarterback room.
Currently, Oregon is well-positioned with Dante Moore returning for his junior season, having decided to bypass the NFL draft. Dylan Raiola is set to back him up, and promising talent Akili Smith Jr. is staying on as a redshirt freshman. However, looking ahead, it's crucial for the program to develop new talent, and Mencl could be a key piece in that puzzle.
Lanning has proven adept at balancing immediate success with long-term planning. He has a roster filled with leadership and experience, but he's also focused on cultivating future stars. Mencl fits the bill perfectly, potentially following in the footsteps of Moore, Raiola, and others.
Oregon quarterbacks are expected to be leaders with accuracy and resourcefulness. Mencl's junior year at Chandler was a testament to his abilities.
He completed 70 percent of his 367 passes for 3,815 yards and 33 touchdowns, leading his team to a 10-3 record and the Arizona Open Division State Championship. Not just a passer, Mencl also ran for 741 yards and 17 touchdowns, demonstrating his dual-threat capability.
His stats highlight exceptional decision-making, throwing only five interceptions as a full-time starter. In a thrilling game against Centennial, Mencl led a fourth-quarter touchdown drive, clinching a 24-17 victory. His clutch performance in the playoff quarterfinals against Brophy Prep, where he threw a game-winning pop pass on 4th down, further underscores his potential.
Reflecting on his play, Mencl told AZ Central, "It was just natural instinct. I was just trying to make plays and do the best with what I got.
It was a fourth down trying to extend the play. Just flipping to my guys and trust in what we do."
Mencl's passion for the game is clear: "I'm a football guy. I love football."
While many five-star recruits shine in camps and clinics, Lanning is looking for the true "football guy" who delivers in real game situations. Mencl appears to be just that, making him an exciting prospect for the Ducks' future.