Oregon cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu talked with Emerald after Wednesday’s practice about how he judges his performance, what it’s like to be part of Oregon’s renowned secondary, and how he’s preparing to face California on September 28.

How he’s played this season.

“I really just base it off how I think I did each play. I don’t really depend on if the ball’s coming my way, I just look at if I’m in the right place and using the right technique. That’s the only way I’d really grade it.”

If it’s better to get interceptions or prevent opposing teams from throwing his way.

“I really just want to make sure I’m in the right position to make a play, each play, so then if it is thrown my way, I have an opportunity [to make a play]. Sometimes I might get in the right position, and sometimes [the other team] just wanted to throw the other way that play.”

Being part of a secondary that many consider to be one of the best in the country.

“It’s great that people think that. Our secondary prides ourselves on working hard and trying to figure out how we can get better at one thing, and I think that’s really helped us in the past couple years, especially with our team chemistry. In the secondary, I feel like we’re able to read in react to what each person does better than playing with other guys. With Avery Patterson, Brian Jackson, Terrance Mitchell, we’re all able to play off each other a lot better than I ever have in my life.”

On facing California, who are tied with Oregon State for the most passing yards in the Division 1-A football.

“I think it’s great. That means we’re gonna get a lot of opportunities to make plays, so that’s better than just sitting around watching the game. They’re gonna pass a lot, they’re gonna try to test us, but I think we’ll be fine as long as we just stick with our keys and play a fundamental game.”