Former Oregon star De'Anthony Thomas returning to Oregon for special reason

Former Oregon star De’Anthony Thomas was already expected to be returning to Eugene on April 23rd to serve as an honorary coach in the Ducks’ spring game. Then on Sunday afternoon, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that Thomas will be coming back to Oregon to workout for the Ducks’ Pro Day on April 1. He’ll be working out in front of NFL scouts in hopes of making a return to the National Football League. Thomas was with the Baltimore Ravens when he opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 and he’s currently signed with the BC Lions.

During his six-year NFL career, the former Oregon star has carved out a niche as a kick/punt returner, piling up over 3,000 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns. As a receiver and runner, he’s compiled 96 touches for 700 yards and six touchdowns.

De’Anthony Thomas’ sensational career with the Oregon Ducks

Nicknamed the “Black Mamba”, Thomas delivered an electrifying level of speed and acceleration during his time with the Oregon Ducks. Every time he touched the football, he was a threat to take the rock the distance. During his freshman season in 2011, he put together one of the best all-purpose seasons by any player in college football history. Thomas gashed defenses to the tune of 2,235 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns, setting the school record for the number of touchdowns by an Oregon freshman. He was the only player in 2011 to rack up over 400 yards in three different categories: rushing, receiving, and returns. Thomas was named to the All-Pac-12 first team and was also named a Freshman All-American by multiple media outlets.

In 2012, he put together another electrifying season, shredding opposing defenses to the tune of 1,757 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns. Thomas led the Pac-12 rushing yards per attempt with 7.6. That season the Ducks finished with a 12-1 overall record with a No. 2 overall ranking. Oregon capped their season with a 35-17 Fiesta Bowl win over the No. 5 Kansas State Wildcats. In that game, Thomas once again showcased his lethal speed on a 94-yard kick return for touchdown on the opening play. After the season, he was named a second team All-American by FoxSportsNext.com.

In 2013, his best game came against the Virginia Cavaliers, when he had three touchdowns in that game, tying his career-best mark. Thomas was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week.

Following his college career at Oregon, he was selected in the fourth round (124th pick overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.