Duck Territory caught up with former Oregon running back De'Anthony Thomas at Nike's The Opening and got his thoughts on his time at Oregon and future with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Q: You're one of the few players who played under Mark Helfrich and Chip Kelly as a head coach. What was that transition like really there?

A: I just feel like it was a great experience with both coaches. I really enjoyed playing the two years with Coach Kelly and one with Coach Helfrich. Hopefully they keep going and keep winning games.

Q: Were there any differences you felt went on behind closed doors, or was it just the same whole thing?

A: Yeah, I'd just go out there, just practice hard, work hard, motivate guys, that's all I can do. Contribute by making plays.

Q: What was, thinking back to your time there, one of your favorite moments at Oregon?

A: I think one of my favorites was fall camp my freshman year. Just going out and competing with guys like LaMichael James and Kenjon; it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Q: Was there a game that was your favorite?

A: Yeah, by far the Rose Bowl game. Being back home, playing in front of my home town. I felt like that was one of my big games, I'll always look up to it and remember it for the rest of my life.

Q: Does your family talk about that game and what it was like to watch you on a big stage?

A: Not really, my family doesn't talk about football that much. We just have to work hard and make positive things for our community while motivating kids.

Q: Looking back at your recruitment, you were committed to USC for a long time, but that was at cornerback. Having the opportunity to play offense at Oregon, was that a big turning point?

A: Not really. It's all about being an athlete wherever the coaches put you on the field. I can play both sides, so wherever they want me to play, I just go out there and make plays for my team.

Q: What are your thoughts on Marcus Mariota, being able to play with him, just your thoughts on him as a player and as a person?

A: I feel like he's grown up a lot since he first set foot at Oregon. He's got to stay heathly, stay motivated, and keep things rolling..

Q: What was your favorite thing about playing at Oregon?

A: Great fan base, great atmosphere. There's been a lot of great people coming through that organization. Great experience for me being in that environment, I think it was the right decision for me to go there.

Q: Tell me about draft day, what were your emotions when your name came up?

A: Really just waiting to see which team would pick me up. I got picked up and I was excited and ready to make plays. Check in for workouts on July 20.

Q: Have the Chiefs talked to you at all about your role, what they want you to do?

A: It's the same thing when I was at Oregon. Running back, receiver, special teams, a lot going on. Just going out there to make plays.

Q: You look like you've bulked up a little bit, yeah?

A: Yeah, gotta be ready to play.