Clemson Transfer Scott Pagano Picks Oregon


Defensive tackle Scott Pagano announced Friday that he’s chosen to join the Oregon Ducks nearly two months after deciding to transfer from Clemson.


Scott Pagano won a national championship with Clemson in January, then decided to pursue other options as a graduate transfer roughly a month later.

He’s finally made a decision regarding his new destination.

Pagano announced Friday on Instagram that he will transfer to Oregon for the 2017 season after narrowing his choices to the Pac-12 school and Oklahoma. The defensive tackle will be immediately eligible to play for the Ducks.

“When I announced my intentions, I didn’t know how people would react,” Pagano wrote. “Thankfully almost everyone was respectful of my decision and wished me well on my journey.

“After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to transfer to the University of Oregon for my final year of eligibility and to pursue a Sports Management Master’s. This was a tough decision because of all the great programs that expressed interest in me along with having to leave Clemson. I want to thank all the coaches that took the time to get to know me during this process. However, Oregon is where I felt most at home and it is a great fit for me both on and off the field.”

Pagano also visited Notre Dame, Arkansas and Texas, but informed the South Bend Tribune on Thursday that he would choose between Oregon and Oklahoma. It was the second major recruitment of sorts for Pagano, who had more than 50 offers as a 4-star prospect coming out of high school.

Pagano had 31 tackles and two sacks last season for Clemson, which beat Alabama in the College Football Playoff title game to win its first national championship since 1982.

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