Devin Culp

Devin Culp poses with Mark Helfirch and David Yost, two central figures in his recruitment

(Courtesy of Devin Culp)

Both 2018 four-star Oregon Ducks commits Colson Yankoff and Devin Culp were close with quarterback coach David Yost, and the two good friends hoped to build a productive on-field connection in Eugene as well.

The duo went so far as to commit on the same day this summer.

But with Yankoff decommitting earlier this week, Culp was suddenly left without his favorite college coach, his future signal-caller and his close friend set to join him in his future plans.

That blow was deeply felt given that Yost was in Spokane the day Helfrich was fired and delivered the news to the Culp family in person.

"Devin and I plan on seeing what happens with staffing," Pia Culp, Devin's mom, said last week. "Devin really liked Helfrich, and Yost is amazing. ...I was glad David was the one who got to tell Devin that Helfrich was fired. There are schools showing interest in Devin, but I think we need to meet Taggert face-to-face."

According to Pia Culp, the four-star talent was a little unsure of his future with a new coach and without his close friend prepared to join him, but a phone call with Taggart on Wednesday changed that.

The 6-foot-4, 218-pound wide receiver, out of Gonzaga Prep (Spokane, Washington) has decided to stick with his commitment, and will take a trip to Eugene early next year to continue to build on an evolving relationship with the new staff.

Culp is the Ducks' lone commitment in the class of 2018, and has sky-high upside given that he has limited experience as a football player, preferring basketball growing up.

Oregon would love to add the potential wide receiver/tight end into the fold, and make him a cornerstone of the 2018 recruiting cycle.

That relationship took a big step forward Wednesday, as Devin and Taggart had a positive conversation.

Expect a visit from the Culp family sometime early in 2017.

-- Andrew Nemec

anemec@oregonian.com

@AndrewNemec