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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Mining company faces long odds in Smith River proposal Public Meetings: Feb. 2-6 Super cheerleader Restaurant Inspections Emergency services Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency services Emergency services UPDATED: Body found in Greensprings area is Klamath Falls fugitive Former Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb dies Man who allegedly almost robbed Purple Parrot returns Politics and Elections Amid rising scrutiny, governor says fiancee won't have role in administration Ashland aims for diversity, but numbers show shortfall Kent Bush: The keys to decoding the State of the Union address Oregon Legislature convenes, session starts Feb. 12 Education Parent files discrimination complaint against Ashland schools Some gains, some losses Medford reconsiders full-day kindergarten State boosts class time expectation A wealth of experience Environment Commissioners won't object to BLM road closures Mt. Ashland Ski Area crew dips to five Public sounds off on gas pipeline Mt. Ashland ski area announces layoffs Bear cub headed to rehabbers in Idaho State News 'Seven Wonders' ads pay off, Oregon park officials say Sales call leads to rescue of beaten woman Feds: Oregon logging rules don't protect fish, water Amid rising scrutiny, governor says fiancee won't have role in administration Oregonians face Feb. 15 health insurance deadline Nation - World Obituaries Nordica Mae Irvin William (Bill) Earl Shewman III A Celebration of Life for Karen Weaver Joseph Richard �Rich� Halliday, Jr. Weather Photo Galleries Since You Asked Videos Web Cams Mail Tribune 100 Shareable Sports Latest Stories Detroit downs Houston, ends four-game skid Kennedy earns 200th win as Raiders roll Hunters lead North swimmers to victory Spartans romp past Seattle Bucks cap fine week at Blazers' expense Varsity 541 College Sports Kennedy earns 200th win as Raiders roll Defense keys No. 7 OSU's rout of USC Duke knocks Virginia from unbeaten ranks West has double-double, key basket in triumph Young's hoop leads Oregon over Arizona State Pro Sports Detroit downs Houston, ends four-game skid Bucks cap fine week at Blazers' expense Sons represent Seau at Hall ceremony Rodgers MVP, Watt sweeps defensive votes Clutch putts keep Laird in lead Community Sports Local Events Business Latest Stories Homes for the long haul Blog: Southern Oregon Business Conference 2014: Gross, unadulterated enthusiasm Blog: Better than Ordinary...Extraordinary! Medford moving up in economic rankings Umpqua now largest community bank on West Coast Real Estate News Homes for the long haul New owners of Medford Center promise a hands-on approach: Home loan rates continue to fall, applications soar Jackson County real estate market headed back to normal People In Business People in Business Transportation The heart of Brammo will remain Want to be an investor? Four companies will be pitching their plan to you Medford airport traffic flies to new heights Agriculture Nine companies pitch investment opportunities in Medford Darigold to shutter Medford plant, putting 29 out of work Opinion Latest Our View: Wood-fired steam plant at SOU makes sense Letters to the Editor, Feb. 1 Help wanted: The Medford School District needs you George Will: Our annual season of wretched excess Dana Milbank: Bernie Sanders is right to be outraged Editorials Our View: Wood-fired steam plant at SOU makes sense Other Views: Nothing to see here; move along Our View: Improving graduation rates isn't easy Our View: Revving up the gas tax debate Our View: Updating Oregon's presence in the U.S. Capitol Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, Feb. 1 Letters to the Editor, Jan. 30 Letters to the Editor, Jan. 29 Letters to the Editor, Jan. 28 Letters to the Editor, Jan. 27 Guest Opinions Help wanted: The Medford School District needs you Guest Opinion: Market forces work against LNG project's success Guest Opinion: More reasons to oppose gas pipeline A fair shot for all: addressing our low-wage crisis Guest Opinion: SOU biomass burner would be big mistake Lifestyle Latest stories Southern Oregon Journal: Discovery of the Bigfoot brownie Some like it hot Time with the Tiger-lilies Pet of the Week — meet Fuzz Charleston's Marine Life Center eyes spring opening Food Community blog: Raise a cup of bone broth to better health Good to the Bone Gail Ciampa: Marcona almonds make this a salad with substance The next Pike Place Market? Food for Thought: These healthy Super Bowl snacks are game-changers Home and Garden Dear Monty: Is a home ‘trade-in’ a good idea? Buying a home? Consider its walkability Home Help: 5 ways to revamp your outdoor living space this year Paint a room or two in a weekend Dear Monty: Sell home now? Or wait until summer? Health Community blog: Five "Must Haves" Health Watch: Don’t let your fitness resolutions fizzle out Community blog: Toxic Love: How to Identify an Abusive Relationship Community blog: A Higher Walk To Better Health HealthStyle: Are you in an unhealthy relationship? Hiking Biking Faith Religion briefs Religion briefs, Jan. 23 Religion briefs Old stained-glass windows face threats Milestones and Achievements 50 years and counting: Bulebar Wedding: Lindsey-Maria Rios New arrivals Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories Here it is! Live Music in Local Clubs Terrapin Flyer plays Historic Ashland Armory Eric Johnson and Mike Stern at The Rogue Theatre Alcyon Massive and Frankie Hernandez play acoustic at Howiee's Comedian Susan Westenhoefer pulls no punches Theater Classics, premiers highlight '15 season for OSF Randall Theatre presents playwright Charles Ludlam's comedy "The Mystery of Irma Vep" Roy Orbison tribute hits high note Thanks for the Memories Theatre presents 'Cardenio' Thanks for the Memories Theatre presents 'Rent' Music Here it is! Live Music in Local Clubs Jesse Cook plays the Craterian Theater Shybo Torres plays South Stage Cellars Terrapin Flyer plays Historic Ashland Armory Trio Valtorna plays SOU Music Hall Community Events Comedian Susan Westenhoefer pulls no punches Paula Poundstone performs at the Craterian Len Dickson's 'Fall Harvest' to grace Belle Fiore wine label A look at the life and vision of Martin Luther King Jr. Ty Barnett and Ian Harris are 'Divided' Dining Sandwiches and burgers are hits at The Rogue Chef The Vine offers a taste of Italy Cheeseburgers on the cheap Valley View — It's all in the family Patty Groth's Morning Glory is still a delight Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obituaries Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines & Special Sections NEWS NOW Mining company faces long odds in Smith River proposal ... Our View: Wood-fired steam plant at SOU makes sense ... Help wanted: The Medford School District needs you ... Mining company faces long odds in Smith River proposal ... Our View: Wood-fired steam plant at SOU makes sense ... Help wanted: The Medford School District needs you ... COLLEGE FOOTBALL Young secondary shown the way Comment By Ryan Thorburn Eugene Register-Guard MailTribune.com By Ryan Thorburn Eugene Register-Guard Posted Jan. 28, 2015 @ 6:21 pm By Ryan Thorburn Eugene Register-Guard Posted Jan. 28, 2015 @ 6:21 pm » Social News EUGENE — Arrion Springs wanted to find time to indulge in a trip to Whataburger while in his native Texas for the national championship. Then the freshman cornerback’s stomach turned when asked about losing his mentor, UO All-American cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, to a serious knee injury before the inaugural College Football Playoff. “It happened right in front of me. I was the next to go in the drill,” Springs recalled of Ekpre-Olomu going down during a routine non-contact practice period inside the Moshofsky Center. “It was just like, ‘What just happened?’ ” Ekpre-Olomu, who would have been an early-round NFL draft pick had he stayed healthy throughout his senior season, remained positive after the devastating turn of events. After undergoing surgery, he was able to cheer on the Ducks during their Rose Bowl victory over Florida State and agonize with his teammates after the loss to Ohio State in the title game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Now the torch has been passed as secondary coach John Neal prepares to replace three starters once again. The process began last signing day when the Ducks’ recruiting class included five promising defensive back prospects. Springs, a touted recruit out of San Antonio, played last season while classmates Mattrell McGraw, Glen Ihenacho and Khalil Oliver redshirted. Junior college transfer Dominique Harrison did not play due to injury and is no longer in the program. “Our class is very excited,” said Oliver, who was on crutches like Ekpre-Olomu at the championship game, but will be recovered from a leg injury in time for spring practice. “We all talk about the upcoming years and how it’s our time to take over. We don’t want it to drop off.” Ekpre-Olomu had 63 tackles, 11 passes defended, nine pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble as the leader of the secondary, which lost cornerback Terrance Mitchell to the NFL draft and safeties Brian Jackson and Avery Patterson to graduation after the 2013 season. “Ifo is one of the most genuine guys you can meet,” Oliver said. “When you first get here and step on campus, especially as a defensive back, it could be intimidating because you know this guy is going to play in the league and you think this guy is going to have a big head. You meet him and the first thing you think is, ‘There’s no way this is Ifo.’ “He took the time out of his day to show us freshmen what to do. He let us sit down and watch film with him. He knew he already had his position and he’s still helping out the guys below him to know exactly what they have to do in case something happens. Playing with him and being around him is one of the greater opportunities I’ve had here.” Oregon loses senior cornerback Troy Hill, who had a breakout season starting opposite Ekpre-Olomu, finishing with 71 tackles, 19 passes defended, 18 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and an interception. Free safety Erick Dargan, who led the Ducks with 95 tackles and seven interceptions, is also out of eligibility. “Dargan took me under his wing as soon as I got here. He’s taken me out to eat a couple times and we’ve hung out,” Oliver said. “He’s really shown me how the defense is really supposed to be run and given me pointers on exactly what to expect in the upcoming years.” Oregon does return safeties Reggie Daniels (83 tackles, one interception), Tyree Robinson (36 tackles, one fumble recovery) and Juwaan Williams (16 tackles, one sack), along with cornerback Chris Seisay (33 tackles, one forced fumble), who replaced Ekpre-Olomu in the starting lineup after the injury. “They have an opportunity to become another great secondary,” Hill said. “I was really just trying to give them my knowledge and understanding. When we were on the field, I tried to help them as much as possible because I know as a freshman how hard it is. All the older players were trying to show leadership.” Before even stepping on campus, Springs talked about competing for a starting job. His lofty goals are more of a reality now after serving as an understudy to the 2014 seniors. “I’ve came a long way. They helped me a lot with my development and helped me learn the game more mentally,” Springs said. “I have all the physical tools, but they’ve helped me a lot mentally and I’m way better than when I came in. There’s still more growth ahead. It should be special to see what happens over time.” Neal’s young secondary will face some experienced quarterbacks in 2015, including Michigan State’s Connor Cook and USC’s Cody Kessler. “It’s the way he approaches it,” former Duck standout and current New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd said of the tradition Neal has established at Oregon. “Every day brings energy and he wants to get energy out of the guys. He challenges you every day to get better. They have some talented young men, and he’s challenging them to be better. I think it’s just great.” By Ryan Thorburn Eugene Register-Guard MailTribune.com By Ryan Thorburn Eugene Register-Guard Posted Jan. 28, 2015 @ 6:21 pm » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. fantasy football Top Fantasy Players, Projections for Patriots vs. Seahawks Jan. 31, 2015 at 8:39 am Fantasy Football Outlook for Titans Stars Jan. 30, 2015 at 10:37 am 2015 Fantasy Football Outlook for Buccaneers Stars Jan. 28, 2015 at 7:00 am DraftKings Fantasy Pro Bowl, Super Bowl Lineup Jan. 24, 2015 at 11:37 am Fantasy Favorites, Lineup Picks for Super Bowl XLIX Jan. 22, 2015 at 9:00 am Fantasy Breakdown, Stat Predictions for Super Bowl Jan. 20, 2015 at 1:00 pm calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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