Defensive star back for more

Thurmond passed on NFL to complete business with Ducks

By jason vondersmith

The Portland Tribune, Aug 13, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Oregon defensive back Walter Thurmond returned this interception for a touchdown against Oregon State in 2008 but says it wasn’t a “productive season” for him, and so he chose to return to the Ducks instead of jumping to the NFL.

L.E. BASKOW / TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

Being projected as an NFL third-round pick wasn’t enough to convince defensive back Walter Thurmond to leave the Oregon Ducks.

In his final college season, Thurmond says he still has a lot to prove as the Ducks prepare for the Sept. 3 opener at Boise State.

“I had five interceptions last year, but it wasn’t a productive year,” Thurmond says. “Being hurt, and the little things … I didn’t feel comfortable going out (to NFL) like that. I decided to come back and finish my degree. Got that. I’m really glad I stayed.”

Thurmond and free safety T.J. Ward return as UO defensive stalwarts, and both could be in line for Pac-10 honors.

It has been a long road for Thurmond, who redshirted and then proceeded to start the past three seasons. Two of his former running mates, rover Patrick Chung and Jairus Byrd, have moved on to the NFL – Byrd skipping his senior season.

Thurmond says staying with the Ducks will help his 2010 draft status, and he hopes to help the team win the Pac-10.

“The NFL is always going to be there. I probably need to get a little stronger and grow into my body,” the 6-0, 180-pounder says.

Thurmond says he is a lot smarter player than he was as a freshman.

“Once you really get the (defensive) concept, even in the NFL, it’s about how smart you are,” he says. “I’ve taken another step, become more knowledgeable about the game, and it’s going to benefit me for my position and to help the team out.”

• Coach Chip Kelly says he will name season captains at some point, and the list of candidates includes QB Jeremiah Masoli, tight end Ed Dickson, defensive lineman Will Tukuafu, Ward and Thurmond.

“It’s their football team,” Kelly says, of all the players. “They have to take ownership.”

• Kelly says that the open rover and cornerback positions could be filled by Willie Glasper and Talmadge Jackson, although the Ducks have other candidates. Glasper has played in UO’s nickel and dime packages, and Jackson started last year while Thurmond was out.

So, does the corner opposite Thurmond expect to be picked on each game? Yes.

“I look forward to it,” says Glasper, a senior. “I’m always up for the challenge.”

While the cornerback defends a receiver every time, the rover has to keep an eye on the run game.

“As a corner, you have to know all the positions in the secondary, what everybody’s doing, where the help is,” Glasper says. “The only difference (playing rover) is fitting in up in the box, knowing the runs and gaps. You have to read your keys.”

• Jordan Holmes, a 6-5, 285-pound junior, has some big shoes to fill at center, with former standout Max Unger playing for the Seattle Seahawks.

Shaky with snaps in the spring game, Holmes says practice will help him try to perfect the art of getting the ball to the quarterback in the shotgun.

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