Brandon Dorlus says he will return to Oregon for 2022 season
Brandon Dorlus will be back for the 2022 season.
The all-conference defensive end said Tuesday during the Alamo Bowl press conference that he intends to return for his junior season.
But he didn’t deliver that message without flashing a sense of humor beforehand.
“I’m declaring for the draft,” Dorlus said when asked. “No, I’m playing. I’m coming back for another year.”
Dorlus was arguably Oregon’s most crucial player who was still on the fence as to whether they would declare for the NFL Draft. He was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection in 2021 after a breakout season.
In 13 games, Dorlus has racked up 23 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He was a constant, disruptive force in the trenches for the Ducks and could be due for a massive season in 2022.
“I just want to be more of a dominant player, more of a consistent player, cause more havoc,” Dorlus said when asked why he has chosen to return. “Show the nation I can be one of the top D-linemen in the nation.”
Dorlus’ return to Eugene is especially significant since Kayvon Thibodeaux is headed for the NFL Draft and Jayson Jones has left the program.
Dorlus, Steven Jones, Alex Forsyth, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, and Bennett Williams have all announced they are returning next season despite being draft-eligible.
Thibodeaux, Mykael Wright, and Devon Williams have all entered the Draft and will skip the Dec. 29 Alamo Bowl.
