It didn't take long for Willie Taggart to make a splash on the recruiting trail. Friday afternoon Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) defensive back Thomas Graham committed to Oregon over Notre Dame, UCLA, USC and others.

Graham is the nation's No. 61 ranked player, according to the 247Sports Composite. He is now Oregon's highest ranked commit of the 2017 class.

The four-star details why Oregon was the right choice.

"It's going to be a great coaching staff and I love Willie Taggart," Graham said. "I know it's an even playing field up there and I have a chance to compete right away. They also have a great academic staff to help me get my degree. And best of all I know I'm going to go up there and play with some dogs."

Coach Taggart has talked about getting 'the juice' and changing the culture at Oregon. Graham could be a key catalyst to start that movement.

Despite only being on the job at Oregon a little over a week, Graham said the hire of Taggart played a big part in his decision.

"Coach Taggart was a big part of this decision. He was definitely a real big plus."

Graham will enroll at Oregon in January.

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