Los Angeles, Calif – Oregon safety Erick Dargan couldn’t help but reflect on the situation and think it was strange. Dargan, along with a group of his teammates, were hanging out with defensive back Ifo Ekpre-Olomu as he broke the news. He told them that his career at Oregon was finished.
At first, Dargan said his heart dropped. But as time went on, Ekpre-Olomu showed no signs of a player that wouldn’t be playing in the College Football Playoffs. According to Dargan, the players laughed and just hung out, like they usually do – an uplifting sign for a concerned teammate.
“When stuff like that happens, you know his mind is in the right place,” Dargan said.
When reports of Ekpre-Olomu’s devastating knee injury surfaced, the common thought process for many was to ponder the ramifications on the Ducks upcoming Rose Bowl matchup with Florida State. For outside linebacker Tony Washington, his concern was directed at Ekpre-Olomu the person, not Ekpre-Olomu the player.
“Football is not everything,” Washington said. “It’s unfortunate that he won’t be able to finish his career here at Oregon, but I think me, and the rest of my teammates, were more concerned about his health.”
Still, the loss of Ekpre-Olomu appears to be a hurdle the Oregon defense will have to clear against the Seminoles on New Years Day. Without the senior corner in the lineup, defensive coordinator Don Pellum said that he’ll count on Dargan and fellow senior Troy hill to help keep the on-the-field communication between the defensive backs intact.
“Not having Ifo, we lose a very talented player,” Pellum said, “but we lose kind of a spiritual leader there, a guy with a lot of experience, a guy that’s been in the battle, the heat of the battle. So, we all have to pick up the slack.”
Redshirt freshman Chris Seisay presumably will be first in line to attempt to fill Ekpre-Olomu’s cleats. Seisay, a 6-foot-1 defensive back, has seen plenty of experience in his first year on the field for the Ducks. Seisay has played in 11 games, recording 20 tackles and three passes defended.
“Right now, Chris (Seisay) and some other guys’ numbers are being called and we expect them to perform,” Dargan said. “It’s not Chris’ first rodeo. He’s been playing a majority of the season in some key moments. It’s just time for him to step up.
“I think Chris is going to have the best game of his life.”
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt