Oregon defensive back Ifo Ekpre Olomu is putting off the NFL Draft for another year.
According to GoDucks editor-in-chief Rob Moseley, the junior from Chino Hills, Calif. told him of his intentions to return to Oregon this morning.
“The two main factors related to my decision to return were my continued progression as a person and a player, and I felt Oregon was my best option to achieve those goals and improve my situation for next year,” Ekpre-Olomu told Moseley this morning. “I should be able to finish my degree by next fall, possibly by the end of the summer.”
After fellow cornerback Terrance Mitchell announced he would enter the draft, Oregon was in jeopardy of losing their entire starting secondary. Both starting safeties, Avery Patterson and Brian Jackson, were seniors this past season. However, the return of Ekpre-Olomu provides a little stability in the Ducks’ secondary.
Amidst draft speculation, Ekpre-Olomu discussed his draft status with reporters before the Alamo Bowl.
“Projections are something, but you never know until that day comes when your name is called,” Ekpre-Olomu told the Oregonian. “I’m not really worried about projections.”
Ranked as the No. 3 cornerback in the 2014 draft class, according to CBS Sports, Ekpre-Olomu would surely be considered as a first-round selection. Instead, he’s returning to Oregon for his senior year.
Aside from improving his draft stock, Ekpre-Olomu cited getting a degree as a major factor in his return.
“Football is only one phase of who I am. My degree will be forever,” Ekpre-Olomu told Moseley. “Secondly was my ability to make an impact and become a top (draft) pick, and I felt staying one more year would only help me.”
Ekpre Olomu was second on the Ducks’ defense with 78 total tackles this season. He also had three interceptions and a forced fumble. He was named an Associated Press third-team All-American this season.
Along with Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon returns cornerbacks Troy Hill, Dior Mathis and safety Erick Dargan to their secondary next season.
Here are some Twitter reactions about the return of Ekpre-Olomu.
Incoming Oregon cornerback recruit Arrion Springs:

Really excited I’ll get to play along side ifo
— Arrion Springs© (@A_Springs1) January 6, 2014

CBS Sports senior columnist Bruce Feldman:

Losing DAT hurts but in keeping Ekpre-Olomu AND Mariota & Grassu, #Oregon emerged pretty well on NFL/underclassmen front.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 6, 2014

ESPN insider Chris Sprow:

With Ekpre-Olomu returning, #Ducks have two 1st Rd *locks* come back, and a good Day 2 center in Grasu, too. Title pact?
— Chris Sprow (@SprowESPN) January 6, 2014

Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @jhoyt42