Oregon picked up a big commitment moments ago when Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei defensive back Jeremiah Criddell announced for the Ducks.

The Oregon Ducks are putting together a very nice recruiting class and doing big things at one of the nation’s top programs.

After landing commitments from Monarch teammates Mase Funa and Keyon Ware-Hudson earlier in the year, the Ducks have now pulled in one of the nation’s top defensive backs in Jeremiah Criddell.

“It came down to relationships,” Criddell said. “I have a great relationship with both Donte Williams and Keith Heyward, the two DB coaches at Oregon and I like how they plan to use me in their defense.

“I’ll be playing nickel, strong and free safety and I feel like my body can grow in to that role and that’s what I’m playing here at Mater Dei. My football IQ is only going to get better and I have my guys over there, Thomas Graham and Jaylon Redd, who can help show me the ropes so I’m very excited about the decision.”

Criddell played with both Graham and Redd at Rancho Cucamonga his sophomore year. He transferred in to Mater Dei this off-season along with running back Sean Dollars, but said the presence of Graham and Redd and didn’t play too big of a role in his decision.

“To be honest, I made this decision for myself,” Criddell said. “I just visited Oregon two weeks ago and spend the whole day with coach (Mario) Cristobal. He explained to me what he’s doing with the program and where he wants to take it.

“At Oregon, you have the best facilities in the world. You have the best equipment and the best resources. You have everything there to succeed and it’s our job to make the most of it. When you look at the leadership and support system in place, I felt it was the best fit for me.”

In addition to the Ducks, Criddell was also considering Florida State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Washington. The Huskies looked to be the leader just a few months ago and FSU made a big push after Criddell visited back in April.

The Ducks were able to stay in his top 2-3 throughout the process and gained moment in the last few months before sealing the deal on his recent visit.

“I feel like I can bring that dog mentality to the defense,” Criddell said. “They already have it but I can provide another piece and I’m going to try and bring a few more guys in with me.

“Max Williams and Mykael Wright are two guys I’m going to be recruiting but I’ll help out with whoever wants to come. I want people who want to be there. You can’t just pick a school because of the name, you have the find the right school for you and that was definitely Oregon for me.”

Criddell is currently rated the No. 46 player nationally in the 247Sports Composite and the No. 6 rated cornerback although he could get moved to safety since that's where he's currently playing and where he probably projects best in college.