Senior Trey McNutt, an All-American safety/wide receiver, signed a letter of intent Dec. 3 in a small-auditorium ceremony, confirming his July 19 commitment to the University of Oregon.
Athletic director Mike Babinec and some football coaches began the ceremony by sharing memories of McNutt and his growth. “It’s been fun seeing the impact he’s had on so many people in the community and the people around him,” Babinec said.
Before signing, McNutt thanked the people who helped him on his journey: his mom, his coaches and everyone who believed in him. Division I Oregon joined the Big 10 Aug. 2 and remains undefeated this season. The Ducks’ 12-0 mark includes a 32-31 defeat of then No. 2 Ohio State Oct. 12.
McNutt said he was compelled to succeed by his internal drive. “I motivate myself the most. It’s always been me versus me; I am my own motivator,” he said.
Head football coach Alex Nicholson also commended McNutt’s work ethic. “After my workout, I’d get out of the locker room, and he’s here at 7 [a.m.] doing work when he doesn’t need to be here until 8:30,” said Nicholson. “He is always the first one in the door.”
Nicholson said he knew immediately that McNutt was a star athlete. “When I watched his first freshman game on film versus Solon, it was just a man versus boys,” he said.
McNutt had considered offers from the University of Florida, Texas A&M, Ohio State and the University of Southern California, but player attitudes at Oregon convinced him. “They all just want to be great, and not everyone has that mentality,” he said. “The mentality at Oregon is different.”
McNutt said, “As a little kid in flag football until now, everyone has had an impact on my football career. I can’t wait to be great at Oregon.”
