Thomas Graham Jr.

Thomas Graham Jr. signs his financial aid agreement to the University of Oregon

(Courtesy of Thomas Graham Jr.)

The Oregon Ducks need help on the defensive side of the ball in the 2017 recruiting class, and some key pieces are on the way.

On Thursday, consensus four-star cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. announced via Twitter that he had completed his high school career early, as expected.

It's bitter sweet but high school is officially over for me and I'm on the the next chapter of my life #ScoDucks💚💛🐣 — Thomas Graham Jr. (@_TG4__) January 5, 2017

The 5-foot-11, 177-pound defensive back, out of Rancho Cucamonga High School (California), said he will leave for Eugene on Thursday night and begin school at the University of Oregon on Monday.

Graham is the third Oregon commit to announce his pending early enrollment, joining defensive tackles Jordon Scott and U.S. Army All-American Rutger Reitmaier.

The Under Armour All-American standout committed to Oregon and Willie Taggart following an in-home visit with the new coach.

"I love his plan and what he has planned for the next level at Oregon to bring them back," Graham told The Oregonian. "Everyone thinks they fell off because of one year, but he's going to bring them back to the top."

Oregon needs help on the defensive side of the ball, and have not only gathered commits, but also a handful of early enrollees to help in that endeavor.

Perhaps none more important than Graham.

-- Andrew Nemec

anemec@oregonian.com

@AndrewNemec