Steve Ramirez: January 2012 Archives

Above: Chino Hills alum Ifo Ekpre-Olomu will play in Monday's 98th Rose Bowl Game. (Photo provided by Eric Evans/Oregon Sports Information)

University of Oregon football coach Chip Kelly has one rule: The best players, regardless of class, play. He's lived up to that statement, showing no qualms to play talented, but inexperienced freshman, including two years ago when running backs LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner found their way into the lineup, and this year is no different. One of those is former Chino Hills star Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, who has made a sudden impact for the Ducks, being part of defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti's seven defensive-back rotation.
Below is today's story of Ekpre-Olomu.

Also, click here to read about the 2012 Rose Bowl Hall of Fame class, which is former Wisconsin star Ron Dayne, announcer Dick Enberg and former Washington star George Fleming.

Here is today's notebook, leading with Kelly addressing the Ducks' struggles in BCS games and encounters when their opponents have had more than a week to prepare.

By Steve Ramirez
LOS ANGELES - So much for the adage that freshmen are supposed to be seen, but not heard.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is one of the exceptions.
The former Chino Hills High School star, despite his youthful status, not only has found his way on the field for the Oregon football team but he's made an impact in the Ducks' defensive back rotation.
He will put his talents on display when Oregon faces Wisconsin on Monday in the 98th Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena.
"For myself, I always have high expectations," said Ekpre-Olomu, who has played in all 13 games and is the No. 2 cornerback behind starters Anthony Gildon and Terrance Mitchell. "Of course, I wanted to play this year. I got to do that. Now I'm just working my way up the depth chart trying to get more and more playing time."