If things go well, Aaron Flowers can be the standout player for Oregon this fall. The 6-0 ft, 202-pound safety from Forney, Texas is a consensus four-star safety recruit for the Ducks who had made waves during his senior year. Flowers, a member of the historic 2024 Oregon recruiting class assembled by Dan Lanning, has been projected as an impact freshman by multiple sports outlets.

The defensive back from Forney, had been promising in the Adidas All-American Bowl practices and spring drills where he racked up four tackles while breaking up a pass, which was almost intercepted. As this strong freshman safety gets ready for the fall season, here’s what you need to know about Aaron Flowers.

Aaron Flowers will be critical to Oregon’s defense

“I just thought Oregon was a better fit for me,” Flowers said in an interview. Flowers, who connected with Oregon’s program much more than any other school, is supposed to fill in the shoes of Cole Martin. Cole Martin played multiple spots in the secondary and recorded 158 snaps for the Ducks’ 4-2-5 defense last season in its 12-2 and Fiesta Bowl-winning team. Flowers not only made it to the Polynesian Bowl roster but also played a crucial role as a DB at Forney, leading the team to the UIL Texas 5A D1 State semifinals in 2023. He racked up 73 tackles (49 solo), three tackles for loss, seven interceptions, and four passes defended. While the Forney Jackrabbits finished with a 13-2 record (against Aledo), Flowers was grateful for the memories. Flowers, ready to up his game to the next stage, committed to Oregon over other big programs such as Oklahoma, USC, and Alabama, mainly because of the staff and the training facility.“The facilities they have at Oregon are just insane. Best facilities by far in college football that I’ve been to. I felt really connected there.” He added.

With the right skills to be a multi-year starter, Flowers has a good shot at making it to the NFL Draft. This multi-athlete also competed in track and field at Forney. During his sophomore year, he clocked 200-meter times of 23.41 and 23.97 seconds. His best jump had been a 5-6 on three different occasions in spring 2022.

Flowers has got a great feel for the game and a competitive vibe, as noted by 247Sports Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks. Whether he’s at corner or safety, he’s always ready to jump in and stop the run. As visible in his tackling, the DB plays with a toughness that matches his size.
Moreover, his long arms are a big help in shutting down passing lanes and messing with receivers at the line and down the field. Flowers also excels at getting his hands on the ball, whether it’s in coverage or trying to strip it away in run defense. Overall, Flowers is indeed a great addition to Oregon’s defense.

Flowers’ relationship with Hampton made him bloom at Oregon

It was the coach Chris Hampton, who helped Aaron make up his mind to choose Oregon. All the staff at Oregon made the young safety feel wanted and treated him like their first option. Moreover, Flowers is also certain that Hampton would leave no stone unturned to bring the best out of him at Oregon.“I knew Oregon just kept it real with me. With Coach Hampton, if I had a bad game, Coach Hampton would tell me in pointers, he wouldn’t sugarcoat it. He would tell me some parts of my game I need to fix, which I really take into consideration instead of doing all the sugarcoating stuff. I love that about him.” He said.

As a promising safety, Flowers idolizes Jalen Pitre of the Houston Texans. Flowers, who does not like to limit himself and wants to play as a versatile safety. “I’m a more versatile safety, I feel like I’m not really [a] run safety or just a free safety. I feel like I can play both. I feel like there’s not really a weakness in my game in that sense.”

A “perceived ready-made prospect”, Aaron Flowers is in the right place to start as the backup safety this fall, without having to go red-shirt. A perfect fit for playing nickel and over the top, Flowers no doubt will see some playing time alongside the returning safety Tysheem Johnson this season.