Scott Olmos – USA Today Sports
Last season the top tight ends in the nation were Zach Ertz and Tyler Eifert, but this year it’s obvious that one of them is going to be Oregon Ducks’ junior superstar Colt Lyerla.
Over the past two seasons, Lyerla has proven to be a valuable, one-of-a-kind physical freak next to South Carolina’s Jadeveon Clowney in the NCAA.
Lyerla has racked up 539 receiving yards on just 32 receptions and 12 touchdowns (11 receiving and one rushing) in his two seasons for the Ducks.
This season Lyerla looks poised to double his career totals and aim for double-digit touchdowns, as he is one of the most reliable targets for red shirt sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Standing at 6-feet 5-inches and weighing over 245 pounds, Lyerla possesses the athleticism and size to be the deadliest weapon in all of the nation—especially when Oregon is in the red zone.
Former Ducks head coach Chip Kelly used Lyerla’s full athleticism, introducing running plays that featured him as a running back when they were inside their opponent’s five yard line. This proved to be very successful, as on 13 carries Lyerla racked up 77 yards and a touchdown.
New Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich would be smart to utilize Lyerla in any way possible. He is just like running back/wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas as they are too good not to have on the field at all times offensively.
In high school, Lyerla participated in the 2010 Army All-American game as a linebacker/running back. His senior season, Lyerla totaled over 1,800 yards offensively and added 45 tackles and two sacks.
While participating in the 2010 National Underclassman Combine, he broke the records for vertical leap (40 inches) and broad jump (10 feet 10 inches) garnering Lyerla the title to the second best athlete in the nation entering college.
His junior season was one for the record books in the state of Oregon, as he surpassed 2,300 total yards with 39 touchdowns en route to being named State MVP.
Lyerla is poised to take the nation by storm, as he possesses the athleticism and size to be the second most dominant player in the nation. No one on earth has a chance to take that title from Clowney.
Vincent Winter is an Oregon Ducks writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @sportsfans247, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
