Rumor has it that during the early part of most practices, Oregon’s dynamic back up tailback De’Anthony Thomas will take turns playing defense against anyone willing to test him.
Thomas was the number 1 rated defensive back, and top athlete coming out of high school, so turning his hips and running with a receiver is quite natural for him.
Thomas may get the opportunity to cover a receiver this Saturday, except it may actually have some meaning.
The Oregonian is reporting that sources close to the Ducks program, say that because of several injuries at the cornerback position, Thomas may see some time there Saturday against Stanford.
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” the UO source said.
“That’s hard back there, but obviously we’re going to try to get somebody ready,” UO defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti said after practice Monday.
“We’re getting thinner,” he added, “but we’ll find a way to make this work.”
Oregon’s defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti was asked about playing Thomas in the secondary.
“In a heartbeat. In a heartbeat,” Aliotti said. “But let’s not go there.”