For months, the Oregon Ducks football program appeared destined for its top recruiting class in school history.

But since the departure of Willie Taggart to Florida State, Oregon has lost much of its recruiting momentum, losing 10 commitments since early December.

Oregon was struck with yet another loss Tuesday, as 247Sports four-star defensive end/linebacker Eli'Jah Winston flipped his commitment from the Ducks to the USC Trojans.

The 6-foot-3, 232-pound 'backer, out of Central Catholic High School (Portland, Oregon), made the announcement on Twitter:

There were times when moments like this felt impossible. All praise to the man above, FIGHT ON! ✌🏾#IDecided pic.twitter.com/ynbLl7yqPP — Ę-Dub™️ (@EWinston34) February 6, 2018

The loss is especially rough for Oregon considering the 2018 in-state recruiting class is viewed as arguably the best collection of talent in state history.

With Winston's flip, USC has the best haul within the state of Oregon, having also secured Crescent Valley's Talanoa Hufanga, the nation's No. 1 athlete.

Oregon still has a top-20 class nationally, but it will take an unexpectedly good haul on Signing Day to reach the lofty expectations that seemed all-but-certain less than three months ago.

-- Andrew Nemec

anemec@oregonian.com

@AndrewNemec