The Oregon Ducks entered Saturday as a program in the mix for two five-star commitments at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, as cornerback Chris Steele and wide receiver Kyle Ford considered Mario Cristobal’s program a finalist.

As expected, however, Steele committed to Florida and Ford picked USC – choices that were considered all-but-locks heading into the event.

One of the reasons for that decision, at least for Steele, was noteworthy for fans of Oregon and Pac-12 Conference football.

According to NBC Sports sideline reporter and analyst Barton Simmons, who is 247Sports’ director of scouting, the officiating difference between the SEC and Pac-12 Conference played a part in Steele’s commitment.

“Chris Steele.. it’s interesting, this is a kid who was headed the Pac-12,” Simmons said. “His physical style of play, he felt like translated better to the SEC. And he felt like even the referees in the SEC would be a little bit more forgiving for his style of play. Pac-12 refs losing them one here.”

Pac-12 officials have widely been criticized for missed calls, as well as propensity to over-officiate physical play between wide receivers and cornerbacks.

If, in fact, officiating played a role in Steele’s recruitment, his logic is sound.

The physical cornerback, out of St. John Bosco High School (Bellflower, California), would likely have more wiggle room to be physical in the SEC than had he stayed closer to home.

The play-by-play announcers went on to say that both Steele and Ford indicated Oregon was their second choice.