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Oklahoma Sooners Football Recruiting: Scott Pagano Picks Oregon Over OU

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Oklahoma had made the defensive tackle’s top two.

By Graham Dudley
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NCAA Football: Fiesta Bowl-Ohio State vs Clemson Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

After announcing earlier this week that he was choosing between Oregon and Oklahoma, Scott Pagano opted for the West Coast program on Instagram today.

To My Family, Friends and Supporters: I want to thank all of you who supported me and my decision to transfer over the last few months. When I announced my intentions, I didn’t know how people would react. Thankfully almost everyone was respectful of my decision and wished me well on my journey. I'm very appreciative of that and it definitely speaks volumes of the class and character of my Clemson Family. After taking several visits, I can honestly say there is no place like Clemson. A part of me will always miss Clemson and the relationships I have built here. I'll definitely be back to visit. After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to transfer to the University of Oregon for my final year of eligibility and to pursue a Sports Management Master's. This was a tough decision because of all the great programs that expressed interest in me along with having to leave Clemson. I want to thank all the coaches that took the time to get to know me during this process. However, Oregon is where I felt most at home and it is a great fit for me both on and off the field. I can’t wait to get to Eugene to start making new friends and playing for and learning from one of the best DLine coaches in the country. Last but definitely not least, I have to thank my mom, dad, sisters and the rest of my family for supporting me through this process and my entire football career. I know these past few months were not easy on you. I want you to know that I am thankful and feel blessed to have a family who is willing to make sacrifices day end and day out so that I can pursue my dreams. Mahalo and Go Ducks!!!

A post shared by Scott J Pagano Jr. (@scottpagano56) on

Pagano visited Oregon last weekend after traveling to Norman the week before. Though Sooners fans were optimistic, considering the program’s new facilities, positional need and clear path to the College Football Playoff, the Hawaii native decided to move closer to home as he initially indicated to Dabo Swinney he would.

Earlier this week, Pagano announced that the Irish were out of the running for his services, leaving it a two-way race. Apparently the South Bend cold didn’t sit well with the Hawaii native.

The Clemson defensive tackle was among the nation’s most sought-after transfers. His choice leaves Oklahoma with a D-tackle rotation of Neville Gallimore, Du’Vonta Lampkin, Marquise Overton and Matthew Romar.

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