SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- This truly is it for Oregon senior running back Kenjon Barner.

His final game. His swan song. The last hurrah.

He said he would not approach Thursday night's Fiesta Bowl with such finality in mind. It wouldn't be in his nature to do so. Back home during Christmas break he spoke with his family about his final moments with Oregon. But he left such talk there in Riverside, Calif.

Here in Arizona, he's focused on one thing: preparing to defeat No. 7 Kansas State when the teams meet at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, and having fun doing so by enjoying this final week with his teammates.

"I have to take this for what it's worth," he said during a press conference Saturday. "I have to live in the moment rather than think about a couple of days down the road."

Only when the game clock reads 0:00 could Barner see himself becoming emotional and nostalgic over the end of his five-year odyssey at Oregon. He might even shed a tear.

"Never know," he said. "You never know. I probably will. My time here has been unimaginable. ... Oregon has been good to me."

A year ago Barner prepared for the Rose Bowl as if it would be his final game at Oregon before heading to the NFL. A change of heart returned him to Eugene where he had an opportunity for the first time to be the lead running back after LaMichael James entered the draft. It's a decision he's glad he made.

"In my mind I was leaving," he said. "I felt like I had accomplished what I came to Oregon to accomplish, which obviously wasn't the truth."

Not even close.

Barner had demonstrated great skills and achieved quite a bit his first few years after redshirting in 2008 and moving from defensive back to running back.

But he had never been the starter, the fuel that made Oregon's high-octane offense go. That changed this season and Barner turned in the fourth most prolific rushing season in Oregon history with 1,624 yards and tied James for the most touchdowns in a season with 21.

"A lot of people could have folded under the pressure but he didn't," Oregon senior guard Ryan Clanton said.

Barner ranks second all-time in career rushing yards (3,480) and tied for second in rushing touchdowns (41). His 294 points rank third.

But pure numbers are not what Barner would like to be defined by after he's gone.

"I want to be remembered as a guy that went out and gave all he had," Barner said, "that played for his teammates and wasn't selfish. Just a good guy in general."

That is how Oregon center Hroniss Grasu said he would remember Barner 10 years from now when he hopes both will have remained close.

Grasu described Barner as a genuine person who treats teammates with respect and respects the game and the program.

"He jokes around with everyone, doesn't matter who you are," Grasu said. "Doesn't matter if you've never taken a snap, he'll treat you the same way."

That welcoming personality held true around campus, too, where Barner never let his celebrity status interfere with him being friendly to all.

"Even on campus he will greet every student that sees him," Grasu said. "He never big-times anyone. I've never seen it happen."

A year ago was a bit stressful for Barner as he prepared for the Ducks' Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin while weighing his future.

Knowing there is no decision to be made has lessened the stress level this time around, making the experience even more enjoyable.

"It feels extremely good," he said. "There's not that extra worry. There's not that extra stress."

--Aaron Fentress

Follow @AaronJFentress