Pac-12 media day: Oregon’s De’Anthony Thomas to see expanded role

As a freshman last season, Oregon’s De’Anthony Thomas scored 18 touchdowns -- seven rushing, nine receiving, two on returns -- and totaled 2,235 all-purpose yards.

He was also the only player in the country with more than 400 or more yards rushing, receiving and returning kicks. So what more could the electrifying former Crenshaw High running back do?

“Hopefully a lot,” Oregon Coach Chip Kelly said. “There are some things that he’s done in practice that you just kind of go ‘Wow.’ We were real conscious last year that we didn’t want to overload him.

“I think the only thing we won’t do is let him throw because I’ve seen him throw a little bit and I don’t know if he’s got the arm to step up there and throw the ball,” Kelly continued. “But I think you’ll see him a little bit more in the kick-return game, maybe a little bit as a punt returner.”

With LaMichael James, Oregon’s all-time leading rusher, gone, there are more carries up for grabs, but Kelly stopped short of saying that those carries would go straight to Thomas. After all, the team still has Kenjon Barner, who rushed for 939 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

But given that Thomas rotates between receiver and running back, Kelly was asked to name Thomas’ actual position.

“I don’t know what De’Anthony Thomas is, to be honest with you,” Kelly said. “I think he’s a special talent. You just figure out how to use him and get him the football.”

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