There is no official word yet from the University of Oregon’s Athletic Department, but the Ducks will likely be without their best defensive player when they play Florida State in Rose Bowl. According to sources, All-American cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu suffered a major knee injury at practice yesterday.
According to @Rand_Getlin #Oregon CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu suffered what appeared to be a torn ACL in yesterday’s practice – No confirmation yet
— Oregon Duck FB News (@DuckFBNews) December 17, 2014
Ekpre-Olomu with the interception
This is a rather devastating blow for Oregon. Epkre-Olomu is not only the best defensive back in Ducks’ program, but he’s perhaps the best corner in the country. Oregon’s defensive back has been a First Team All-American in each of the last two seasons.
This could present some potential major matchup issues in Oregon’s secondary. Ekpre-Olomu was going to play a huge role in shutting down Florida State’s Rashad Greene (93 catches, 1,306 yards, and seven touchdowns) who is one of the best receivers in the country. If both Oregon and Alabama advance to the National Championship Ekpre-Olomu, would have been given the duty of shutting down Heisman finalist Amari Cooper.
Prior to the injury, Ekrpe-Olomu was projected as a late first round/early second round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The senior was a leader for the Oregon’s defensive unit, and his presence will be sorely missed. Hopefully he’ll have a speedy recovery.
Top Photo by Kevin Cline
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Tyler graduated from the University of Oregon’s journalism program back in the spring of 2010. Tyler has loved the Ducks since the days of his youth, and that love has only grown as he’s gotten older. Outside of Oregon football Tyler dives deep into Major League Baseball every year, and considers himself to be a baseball historian of sorts. He also has a Black Labrador named “Page” after Jimmy Page of the mighty Led Zeppelin. In his spare time he enjoys fishing, golfing, and snowboarding even if his skills are questionable at best in those areas.