1st AP Northwest Sports Minute

Here is the latest Washington, Oregon and Alaska sports news from The Associated Press

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) – Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion is returning for his senior season. Mannion, who has already graduated with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, announced his decision yesterday in a statement released by the Beavers. Mannion set the Pac-12’s single-season record for passing yards with 4,662 this past season.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – Cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu says he will stay at Oregon for his senior season. Ekpre-Olomu was the Ducks’ second-leading tackler with 84 stops this past season. He also had three interceptions. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound California native announced his decision yesterday on GoDucks.com, the school’s athletic website.

WACO, Texas (AP) – Big 12 rushing champ Lache Seastrunk is bypassing his senior season at Baylor to enter the NFL draft. Seatrunk said in a statement yesterday that he’s fully prepared to take the next step toward realizing his goal of playing in the NFL. Coach Art Briles says he appreciates “the dedication and energy” that Seastrunk brought to the team. The Oregon transfer played two seasons at Baylor.

RENTON, Wash. (AP) – Pete Carroll says he’ll be diligent this week to make sure the Seattle Seahawks aren’t expecting an easy win against New Orleans like in Week 13. Carroll says there are “no automatics” and reiterated yesterday that the Saints are different from the team Seattle beat 34-7 in early December. The Saints will make their second visit to Seattle on Saturday for the divisional round of the NFC playoffs and face the top-seeded Seahawks.

 

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.