When it became apparent that Brandon Dorlus was practicing with the team leading up to the 2024 Fiesta Bowl between the Oregon Ducks and Liberty Flames, fans could have felt pretty good that the Ducks’ defensive star was going to play.
On Tuesday, the senior made it official, though, announcing that he would play when talking to the media after the team landed in Arizona for the game.
“I put in blood, sweat and tears to this program for five years and I mean there was no other option to be honest,” Dorlus said, per The Oregonian’s James Crepea. “I love this game. I love playing with my teammates. I love the coaches that are around me. I love the organization. I feel like why not one more trip down here, one more business trip and finish off on a good note and beat my mom’s school.”
Dorlus will graduate from Oregon after five years with the team. During that time, he racked up a total of 108 tackles, 27 TFL, and 12 sacks. He is projected to be a Day 2 draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Dorlus deciding to opt into the game goes along with what we’ve seen from several other veteran Ducks, many of whom could have opted out of the game and had it be very understandable, like Bo Nix or Bucky Irving. Instead, most guys on the team are choosing to play in this game and have one last ride together.
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