Yesterday Oregon learned they would be losing De’Anthony Thomas to the NFL, but Monday brings some good news on the defensive side of the football. Defensive back Ifo Ekpre-Olomu has decided to return for one more year in Eugene and will be back on defense for the Ducks in 2014.
According to CSN Northwest, Ekpre-Olomu will be the only returning starter in the secondary for Oregon next season, so his veteran presence will be valuable as new faces fill in all across the field. In a statement shared by CSN Northwest, the desire to improve his overall skill before turning pro was a primary reason for returning to Oregon for his final year of eligibility.
“The two main factors related to my decision to return were my continued progression as a person and a player, and I felt Oregon was my best option to achieve those goals and improve my situation for next year,” Ekpre-Olomu told GoDucks. “I should be able to finish my degree by next fall, possibly by the end of the summer. Football is only one phase of who I am; my degree will be forever. Secondly was my ability to make an impact and become a top (draft) pick, and I felt staying one more year would only help me.”
If he entered the draft this season he may have been a late first round draft pick or early second round draft pick. this past season Ekpre-Olomu had three interceptions and 84 tackles.