A Standout Commitment
Anthony Cartwright III, a 6‑foot‑5, 235‑pound tight end from Birmingham’s Detroit Country Day School, announced his verbal pledge to the University of Oregon on Wednesday, sending a clear signal that the Ducks are emerging as a top destination for elite Michigan talent.
The commitment comes despite a recruiting pedigree that placed him 20th among tight ends nationwide and eighth in his home state. Cartwright chose Oregon over a slate of Power Five programs that included Michigan, Michigan State, Louisiana State and Miami, a decision that underscores the growing allure of the Pac‑12’s high‑tempo offense.
A Recruiting Ripple Effect
Cartwright’s decision marks the second Michigan prospect to commit to Oregon in June, a trend that reflects a broader shift as top‑ranked prospects in the 2027 class increasingly look beyond state borders. Coach Dan MacLean, who has mentored Cartwright for four years, described him as one of the three most talented players he has coached in four decades at Country Day.
Beyond football, Cartwright is a three‑sport athlete who also excels in basketball and baseball, a versatility that Oregon’s staff believes will translate into immediate impact on both sides of the ball. He finished his junior season with 42 receptions for 638 yards, eight touchdowns, 48 tackles, six sacks and four forced fumbles, numbers that helped him earn Division 4 All‑State honors.
What’s Next for the Ducks
With the addition of Cartwright, Oregon’s 2026 recruiting class gains a dynamic playmaker who can line up as a traditional tight end or slip into a slot receiver role. The coaching staff expects him to be a cornerstone as the program prepares for its transition to the AA division of the Catholic High School League, a move that will test depth across the roster.
The commitment also highlights the importance of relationships in the recruitment process; Cartwright has spent time at the youth camp of fellow prospect Dakota Guerrant, a connection that may have influenced his final choice.