Report: De’Anthony Thomas Could Play Some Cornerback For Oregon Ducks

Jan 2, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back De’Anthony Thomas could see some playing time on both sides of the ball against the Stanford Cardinal. US PRESSWIRE

When the No. 1 ranked Oregon Ducks take on the Stanford Cardinal this weekend, the team will be without starting safety Avery Patterson, who went down with a season-ending knee injury.

The Ducks secondary was already plagued with injuries and the loss of Patterson became the latest blow. As a result, Oregon could turn to running back De’Anthony Thomas for some help on the defensive side of the ball, the Oregonian reports.

With Oregon’s defense depleted by injuries, a UO source said Monday that it’s possible Thomas will play defensive back when the No. 1 Ducks play host to No. 14 Stanford on Saturday at Autzen Stadium.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” the UO source said. “We’re getting thinner but we’ll find a way to make this work.”

Thomas would play cornerback, where he has some experience. As a college recruit two years ago, Thomas was the No. 1 cornerback prospect ago at Los Angeles’ Crenshaw High School. He was also considered the top “athlete” in the nation. He is one of the most versatile and dynamic players in the nation so the Ducks can take advantage of his athletic ability.

If Thomas plays at cornerback, Ekpre-Olomu could get the call at safety.