Oregon's De'Anthony Thomas declares for NFL Draft
Oregon's De'Anthony Thomas became the latest underclassman to declare for the draft. (Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Oregon running back De'Anthony Thomas will forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the 2014 NFL Draft.
Thomas made the announcement on the Ducks' official website.
"I am officially withdrawing from the University of Oregon to pursue a professional career in the NFL," Thomas said in a prepared statement Sunday. "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 completes his career at Oregon with 5,345 career all-purpose yards, which puts him behind only LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner on the school's career list. Thomas played two years under former Ducks head coach Chip Kelly, who is now the head coach of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.
Thomas is known for his speed and versatility — he is also a formidable return man — and he has been compared to a Percy Harvin/Tavon Austin type of player. His ceiling, though, is probably a Day 2 NFL Draft pick.
