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Oregon is losing one of its most versatile players to the NFL.
Last Thursday CBSSports.com's Jeremy Fowler reported that De'Anthony Thomas was likely to enter the NFL Draft and on Sunday night Thomas made it official.
"I am officially withdrawing from the University of Oregon to pursue a professional career in the NFL," Thomas said in a statement. "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."
Thomas battled injuries for most of his junior season, and finished the year with "only" 1,353 all-purpose yards and 10 total touchdowns. Good numbers on their own, but not quite up to par with what Thomas did his first two seasons with the Ducks.
As a freshman and sophomore Thomas totaled 3,992 all-purpose yards and scored a total of 36 touchdowns. To put that in perspective, Thomas scored those 36 touchdowns on only 306 touches. Which means he scored a touchdown for every 8.5 touches. That's pretty damned efficient.
Of course, the question with Thomas will be how his game translates to the NFL level. While his speed plays anywhere, listed at 5-feet-9 and 176 pounds, Thomas doesn't really have the size to be a running back at the next level. So it's possible NFL teams will see him as more of a slot receiver and returner.
Thomas is projected to be a sixth round pick in CBSSports.com's projections.
