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De'Anthony Thomas switches from USC to Oregon on signing day

10:16 AMYahoo! BuzzShare
DiggNewsvineRedditE-mailSavePrintShare21By Erick Smith, USA TODAY

Recommend Oregon coach Chip Kelly waited until signing day to find out he secured possibly his biggest recruit. De'Anthony Thomas, a longtime Southern California commitment, ended up signing with the Ducks.


While the announcement of the switch came Wednesday evening, Thomas actually sent his letter of intent in the morning.

"I promised him he could announce it," Kelly said.

A cornerback and running back, Thomas rushed for 1,299 yards and 18 touchdowns, and added five interceptions, while helping Crenshaw (Los Angeles) to their second straight City Section title last season. He said he will play offense for the Ducks.

"It's going to be a big stage for me," Thomas said. "Coming into that offense, and I'm coming to play running back. I just feel it's going to be a very good stage for me and I'm ready to get on the field."

The decision took some steam out of a strong USC class compiled by Lane Kiffin that was ranked in the top five by most major analysts.

"Coach Kiffin is a great coach. I would've loved to play for him, but I just felt comfortable at the University of Oregon," Thomas said.

Follow Erick on Twitter at @erick_smith