If you google “Rodrick Pleasant” everything that comes up is related to his speed. It’s no surprise that the freshman cornerback is fast. Really fast.
Finally, Pleasant is the 2023 Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year. He holds the California state record in the 100 meters with a time of 10.14 seconds. This is on top of a personal best of 20.40 in the 200-meter dash. He was a two-time state champion at both events, making him one of the strongest high school sprinters in the country throughout his career.
This past June, Pleasant made his Hayward Field debut while competing in the Nike Outdoor Nationals. He capped off an impressive high school career by becoming the 100-meter champion with a time of 10.21 seconds. Pleasant also placed fourth in the 200-meter championship race.
“Hayward was great to run, this place is second to none,” Pleasant said in a post-race interview after his 100-meter championship win. “I had to defend my home game today.”
After a successful high school football career, Pleasant was ranked the No. 91 overall pick in the 247Sports Composite National Ranking and was the No. 9 cornerback in the 247Sports Composite Position Ranking. He was a four-star recruit and earned Under Armor All American status.
The true freshman became involved with Oregon football in early 2023 after numerous well-respected Pac-12 programs — among other schools — took an interest in his craft. Pleasant eventually ended up in Oregon, a place where he excels on both the football field and track and field.
Shortly after his senior track season ended, Pleasant was back in Eugene to begin soccer practice. He is ready for the challenge he has set himself as a two-sport athlete. Before the start of the football season, he was ready to embark on the new sporting adventure.
“I have a feeling that my transition from track to football season will be great and I can’t wait,” Pleasant said.
Although the football team has only played a few games this season, the squad has been working on preparations throughout the summer. Pleasant quickly caught the attention of numerous teammates and his coaches due to his speed on the field.
“I’ve never seen anything that fast on a football field with my own eyes,” said wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. “During speed practice, he went up against some of the fast guys on the team and after that race, he got everyone’s respect.”
Head coach Dan Lanning is impressed not only by that speed, but also by his drive to improve on the field.
“There’s no secret he can hide and he’s a perfectionist. He wants to do everything right. That’s why he’s hard on himself sometimes,” Lanning said. “As long as he continues to focus and grow, I think he will be a great player for us for a long time to come.”
Pleasant is part of a strong recruiting class of 2023 as he joins a cornerback room with many new faces. As a total newcomer, he will have to work hard to show the team what he is capable of. But when it comes to a race, there’s no question who gets it.
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