BRCE

January 16th, 2012 at 10:56 AM ^

Chip Kelly truly marches to the beat of his own drum so I could see him doing that. He doesn't seem to follow conventions in any way. Some find him refreshing but I can see why others think he's arrogant.

lunchboxthegoat

January 16th, 2012 at 10:03 AM ^

It would be interesting to see how good Oregon could be if they had continuity at the starting quarterback position (not that they've been bad)...What's it been like four new starting quarterbacks in the past five years? No idea what inspired Thomas to go pro....I don't even know if he's a first day pick...

LSAClassOf2000

January 16th, 2012 at 10:21 AM ^

The article states that draft analysts place in the fifth round or later, with some even saying he wouldn't be drafted. The way in which this is written gives me the impression that this is being  driven by Thomas' view of himself largely as it says he believes he can compete with NFL "second-tier" QBs. Maybe that's true, but he probably would have fared better in the draft with another year of development. An agent picked him up, of course, so they must see  something saleable in Thomas. 

The  other thing I believe I heard is that  the backup QB is pretty  good and that Thomas would potentially find himself as the backup next year, so that's a possible reason for his departure too, but I have trouble believing this one somehow -  Thomas is, after all, pretty  damn  good at this level.  

Good luck to him, if this is what he wants, of course. It's a big step and you don't want to see kids make it for no return down the road. 

bronxblue

January 16th, 2012 at 10:07 AM ^

He has a degree and, as others have alluded to, there might be some pending concerns that led him to leave early.  He definitely is not leaving because he is assured for a good draft position.

mhayes09

January 16th, 2012 at 10:12 AM ^

There is no question about DT's off the field issues.  It is a pretty well known rumor his off the field issues have not stopped, having a negative effect on the team the last two years.  For Oregon, it is probably a good thing they lose Thomas and James.

This reminds me a little of losing Manny Harris early.  A lot of people thought he should stay, but it was most certainly better for the team when he left.

 

funkywolve

January 16th, 2012 at 3:08 PM ^

the seniors next year were at USC before they received the sanctions.  USC loaded up their recruiting class last year before the scholarship reductions hit. 

The scholarship reductions will start taking their toll a year or two from now. 

MGoDC

January 16th, 2012 at 11:08 AM ^

I agree with you for Denard -- he could've had a surprise bolt to the NFL that would've stung. But JT isn't even close to an NFL corner right now. If he has a breakout senior year I could see him being a marginal 6-7 rounder. I would be beyond shocked if he were drafted in this year's draft.

ForeverVoyaging

January 16th, 2012 at 12:25 PM ^

Is it bad that my first reaction was a bit of relief that non-Michigan athletes also get bad draft advice? Some selfish, lizard-brain part of me will never forgive Manny Harris for leaving early.