Colt Lyerla Leaves the Oregon Football Program

From an Oregon press release:

EUGENE, Ore. - University of Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla has informed head coach Mark Helfrich he is leaving the team for personal reasons.

The Hillsboro junior did not accompanying the Ducks to Boulder, Colo., for yesterday's 57-16 win over the Buffaloes in addition to missing a victory earlier in the year against Tennessee in Eugene.

The 2012 honorable mention Pac-12 all-conference selection had caught two passes for 26 yards in three games this season and finishes his Oregon career with 34 receptions for 565 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Lyerla was viewed by some as a potential first round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, but figures to now have a much tougher hill to climb. He has missed three games this season, one for "circumstances," and Saturday's game with Colorado due to suspension. He had only two receptions in three games. According to Rob Moseley, Lyerla has left the program on "good terms," and will pursue a professional career in lieu of a transfer. Johnny Mundt and Pharoah Brown will leave Oregon still in excellent shape at tight end.

Lyerla obviously has all the talent to be a star at the next level. To get there, he's going to have to overcome his personal demons that have plagued him during his time at Oregon. We certainly wish him the very best.