Rob Moseley of goducks.com is reporting that De'Anthony Thomas is passing up his senior year to enter the NFL Draft.
In a prepared statement released Sunday afternoon Thomas said, "I am officially withdrawing from the University of Oregon to pursue a professional career in the NFL. I want to express my deepest appreciation and thanks to the University and all of my teammates, coaches and fans. I look forward to staying connected to the University and visiting the sidelines as often as possible."
DAT scats: De'Anthony Thomas will be taking his talents to the NFL. He's announced a decision to enter the NFL draft, according to Rob Moseley of goducks.com (Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports images).
Thomas concludes his Oregon career with over 5,000 all-purpose yards and 46 tds. He left his mark on Oregon football with thrilling plays like a 91-yard touchdown in the 2012 Rose Bowl and a 94-yard kickoff return in the first six seconds of the 2013 Fiesta Bowl. The Black Momba shocked the recruiting world when he chose the Ducks over USC in 2011. He also made a big impact in the Eugene community, volunteering for "O Heroes" projects and coaching youth basketball.
He's projected as a third-round pick in the mold of Tavon Austin, Percy Harvin or Devin Hester. Some think he could blossom into a dangerous slot receiver like DeSean Jackson, who caught 82 passes for 1,332 yards and 9 touchdowns for the Eagles this year.
For the Ducks, the explosive multiple-threat runner/returner/receiver is a big loss, but Oregon has two speedy verbal commits in this year's class, Bishard "Budda" Baker and Tony James. In addition, returning stars Byron Marshall, Thomas Tyner and Bralon Addison all have the hands and broken-field running ability to succeed in a role like Thomas'. Of the big-time NFL prospects on the Ducks roster, he was the one they could most afford to lose.
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