Oregon Football: De'Anthony Thomas Is the Next Reggie Bush

The Oregon Ducks are preparing to face the LSU Tigers in the first major game of the 2011 college football season.

I'm not sure college football fans are prepared for what is about to happen this season.

You might recall that Oregon stole true-freshman running back De'Anthony Thomas from the USC Trojans before the close of National Signing Day this spring. What you may not know is just how good this 18-year-old is going to be this season.

Does the name Reggie Bush sound familiar?

Perhaps it's no coincidence that the player he most resembles used to play for the school he almost attended. When the 2011 football season is done and we're reflecting back on the most significant parts, believe me when I say this: Thomas will be the most electrifying player of the year.

While he gives up three inches and 20 pounds to Bush's college specs, he possesses the same breakaway speed, jaw-dropping moves, nose for the end zone and star quality that made Bush the college player he was.

He will be remembered as the top recruit of the 2011 season and may challenge LaMichael James for prominence on the Oregon Ducks football team.

I must apologize to the South Carolina Gamecocks, the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Alabama Crimson Tide and especially the USC Trojans. You all picked up recruits ranked ahead of Thomas in your 2011 recruiting class.

After Thomas tears up the college football world this season, Jadeveon Clowney, Curtis Grant, Cyrus Kouandjio and George Farmer will all be distant runners-up to the new man of the hour.

You heard it here first: De'Anthony Thomas will be the next Reggie Bush this year.