Thomas Graham knows his strength.

“One of the keys to success my whole life, no matter what sport, I was always more technical,” the UO junior cornerback said. “I am not always more athletic, but more technical and smarter than others so that is how I got my success.”

Graham’s talent got him on the field for 12 starts as a true freshman. Late in his sophomore season, Graham started to feel more mentally prepared after working with cornerbacks coach Donte Williams.

“He helped me to use my mind,” Graham said. “Donte was able to show me how to use my mind in the way I should when it comes to breaking down opponents’ film to be able to make plays and play faster than I did before.”

Graham’s class schedule last fall allowed him time for extra film study at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

“I always try to write stuff down so that things I don’t remember at first, I keep reminding myself weekly,” Graham added.

The 5-foot-11, 197-pound Graham is “bigger, stronger and faster than I’ve ever been” as he looks to extend his streak of 25 consecutive starts.

Graham, who was a second-team selection on the preseason all-Pac-12 team, and Deommodore Lenoir give Oregon a pair of veteran corners without much experience behind them.

“I am trying to lead the young bucks, give them something I have,” he said.

True freshman Mykael Wright has been praised by multiple players and coaches in fall camp as Graham’s backup.

“He’s doing amazing, he’s been able to adjust fast,” Graham said of Wright, who arrived in the middle of spring practice. “He’s quiet, they call him ‘Kawhi,' he’s a silent killer. Kawhi (Leonard) will give you 30 and you don’t even know it. Mykael will shut down your best receiver and you won’t even realize it until you look at the end of the game and he has no catches.”

Freshman DJ James has emerged as Lenoir’s backup, and Daewood Davis is in his second season after switching from wide receiver.

“Everybody in the room is doing what they have to do,” Graham said. “It will allow them to get quality game reps but also allows us to be able to look at the opponents from the sideline because that helps too.”