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North’s Pugliano commits to Ducks By Kris Henry Updated: Oct 24, 2022 08:20 PM A A Black Tornado tight end is state’s No. 2 recruit in Class of 2024 North Medford High junior AJ Pugliano traveled from coast to coast in trying to carve out a path to becoming a Division I football player during the past few offseasons. And at the end of it all, one place just seemed more near and dear to his heart than all others. A four-star recruit by 247Sports and the state’s No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2024, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Pugliano made his commitment to the University of Oregon official on Monday, becoming the Ducks’ first commitment for his class. “I’ve grown up watching Oregon games and pretending to be an actual player for the Ducks for a really long time so it’s almost like it’s destiny,” Pugliano said. “Both of my parents went to Oregon so it just really worked out and I’m just thankful for it all.” Pugliano also held offers from Oregon State, Washington State and Arizona, and had drawn interest from the likes of Clemson and Ohio State. “I think as this recruiting process has amped up, at each one of those schools there’s been something that is missing,” said Pugliano. “They’re all great schools and I appreciate every school that has reached out to me and I’m thankful for that, but as I evaluated each of my options there was one thing missing, and when I looked back at Oregon, they’re just kind of the whole package so I just pulled the trigger.” Pugliano is ranked No. 11 among tight ends in the Class of 2024 and No. 219 overall by 247Sports. Lakeridge receiver Joey Olsen is the state’s No. 1 recruit for the Class of 2024. Earlier Monday, Oregon also picked up a commitment for its 2023 class from four-star offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu, the top-rated prospect in Hawaii. Through eight weeks, Pugliano has 29 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns and has been an integral part of the blocking scheme to help North Medford average 322 yards and just over 24 points per game. The 16-year-old’s ability to stretch the field with good speed and athleticism for his size, combined with sure-handed receiving skills and the power to block at the line of scrimmage and downfield, should fit in well within the Oregon system. “This season they’ve proved that they can play at a high-end level and use tight end production and have a successful offense,” Pugliano said of a few determining factors in his decision. “Their new coaching staff is looking good so I just said why not now and decided to go shoot for it.” Pugliano initially committed to Oregon during a phone call last Thursday with head coach Dan Lanning and assistant coach Drew Mehringer, who was his primary recruiter as tight ends coach. The Ducks had extended a scholarship offer to Pugliano last August. “I called up coach Mehringer and coach Lanning and I just told them, ‘Hey, I’m ready to be a Duck,’” said Pugliano. “Me and my mom were just sitting in the kitchen and she started getting emotional and they were hootin’ and hollerin’ and they were really fired up.” “I think they were really excited because they’ve been missing out on in-state guys for a little bit,” he added, “and I just think recruiting in your own backyard is a big deal to this new coaching staff, so they were really excited and welcoming me with open arms.” Pugliano said the Oregon coaches throughout the program showed genuine interest in him as more than merely a football player throughout the recruiting process. “I think that speaks volumes to the program and their mindset towards their players,” he said. “Obviously I’m going to go contribute as a football player, that’s what I’m here for, but there’s a lot of other things that come with a decision that’s four years of your life other than just football. I think they showed that it’s going to be a good fit.” Pugliano is set to graduate early for his junior class and be able to join his teammates in Eugene in January of 2024, making him eligible to participate in spring practices and get a jump on his impending freshman campaign. The Black Tornado, tied for second in the South/Central Football Conference, next plays Friday against South Medford at Spiegelberg Stadium in the regular-season finale for both teams. “I’m going to take this season one game at a time and go as far as we can and finish out high school as strong as I can and just live in the moment,” said Pugliano of his future. “That’s what I think we lose sight of as recruits, we try to get to college so fast because that’s what the whole goal is, but I’m just trying to appreciate the process and let the final product take care of itself.” Pugliano also hopes his recruitment process has shined a light on other quality football players here in Southern Oregon. “It’s bigger than just me,” he said. “Everyone’s been under-recruited around this area and I just want to act as a stepping stone for those who have the ability to play.” Have a story idea? Reach sports editor Kris Henry at 541-776-4488, [email protected] or via Twitter @Kris_Henry North Medford junior AJ Pugliano has four touchdowns this season and is the No. 11-ranked tight end in the nation for the Class of 2024 by 247Sports. [Andy Atkinson / Mail Tribune]