Oregon Running Back De’Anthony Thomas Declares for NFL Draft

Sep 7, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back De’Anthony Thomas

We know who is staying for the 2014 season for the Oregon football team. The picture is now clearer as to who is departing for the NFL. Sunday night Junior Running Back De’Anthony Thomas announced he was leaving early to enter the NFL Draft. Meanwhile in Philadelphia a head coach is trying not to get too down after their playoff loss with the news DAT will play on Sundays. Thomas had a solid Junior season in 2013, but it was somewhat derailed with an ankle injury in the UCLA game.

Over his career with Oregon, Thomas ran for 5,345 yards putting him third on the All time list with the Ducks. He is behind two familiar names in LaMichael James at #1, now with the San Francisco 49ers and #2 Kenjon Barner, now with the Carolina Panthers. Thomas will be missed but his playing time will likely be taken by two players that had solid seasons in 2013 in Running Backs Thomas Tyner and Byron Marshall.

For the season Thomas finished with 840 yards on the ground along with nine touchdowns. Currently some NFL scouts are putting DAT in the Third Round of the 2014 NFL Draft. One Oregon player still has yet to let us know his intentions. Junior Ifo Ekpre-Olomu would join Mitchell and Thomas if he decides to start playing on Sundays. Former Oregon Tight End Colt Lyerla is looking toward the Draft.

The 2014 NFL Draft will take place in May.

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