Sco Ducks.
A colloquialism used by fervent University of Oregon supporters -- which means 'Let's go Ducks!' -- was the turn of phrase Connor Burns, MileSplit's fourth-ranked recruit in the Class of 2023, landed on Monday to announce his commitment to the Ducks as the National Letter of Intent period rears its head in November.
Burns can officially sign with Oregon on November 9, the first day the NIL opens for all NCAA Division I sports outside of football and basketball.
In a year of especially strong distance recruits, Burns stands among an elite crop that also features Newbury Parks' Lex and Leo Young and Aaron Sahlman, Rapid City Stevens' Simeon Birnbaum and Christ School's Rocky Hansen.
The Southern Boone High School senior became the 15th high schooler to break four minutes in the mile over the 2022 season, clocking a time of 3:58.83 (seventh-best all-time), and then followed by setting a Missouri state record in the 2-mile, wracking up a time of 8:45.00 at Brooks PR.
His breakthrough season also included personal records in the 800m (1:51.00), 1,600m (4:06.49), 3K (8:11.00) and 3,200m (8:48.76). Indoors, he clocked a 4:02.96 mile against collegians in February.
Noteworthy is the fact that Burns is the son of Marc Burns, who was the head coach at the University of Missouri for eight seasons.
But over the last year, Connor has created his own stir, battling with Gary Martin during that mile race in June at the Festival of Miles, and then winning the 2-mile at Brooks PR. He also won his first state 3,200m title in May.
Connor becomes the first major commitment for Oregon after a largely successful term a season ago, which included the signings of blue-chip standouts like Rheinhardt Harrison and Josh Edwards.
As Oregon's roster grows under new coach Jerry Schumacher and depth becomes an important focus, Burns should play a vital role in establishing the Ducks across the NCAA, across all levels.
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Related Links:
Recruiting Rundown series page
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MileSplit College Signings: Class of 2023
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Do you have a commitment to share? Email MileSplit at signings@milesplit.com.