The Ducks have just landed one of the biggest difference-makers on defense and it won't count towards the 2018 rankings.

Last week Miami defensive lineman Deonte 'DJ' Johnson announced his decision to transfer from the program. Johnson cited a family situation that allowed him to seek a transfer closer to his home, Sacramento.

His list of schools he was allowed to contact for transfer was centered around the Pac-12, including Oregon.

Mario Cristobal and staff instantly went to work on Johnson getting him admitted to Oregon. Not only has Johnson signed his financial paperwork with Oregon, he has started his first online course locking him in with the University indefinitely.

Johnson spoke with ScoopDuck about his decision to enroll at Oregon following his transfer.

"Oregon has coaches that actually care about me as a person and want me to grow as a person whiles also growing as a football player," Johnson told ScoopDuck. "That’s rare. They also feel that I can help change the culture of the team and improve the defense that’s already been improving. Lots of love felt already but more than anything I’m looking forward to gaining the trust of the players and coaches on and off the field."

The biggest reason of all is what started the transfer in the first place.

"Eugene is just over an hour long flight from Sacramento. That means my mom and my dad can come up easily and see me, or I can get down to see them."

Furthermore sources tell us Johnson 'is likely' to be eligible to play this season at Oregon. His family hardship will allow him to bypass the NCAA mandate of sitting for a year following a transfer.

He's expected to be on campus later this year in time for Spring ball he said.

Last season as a true freshman at Miami, Johnson appeared in several games and did not redshirt.

Johnson also tells ScoopDuck his current height and weight is 6-foot-5, 255-pounds.

Coming out of Luther Burbank high school (Calif.) Johnson was the No. 74 ranked player in the nation.