Former Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla, who left the Ducks’ program back in October, pled guilty to cocaine possession on Friday.
He was placed on probation for two years and sentenced to 10 days in jail, with another 10 days on suspension. He’ll also have to enroll in a drug treatment program.
However, the decision by the judge to have him serve his probation under the court rather than under a probation officer means he’ll be able to leave the state to prepare for the NFL draft. He plans on doing so in Nevada.
The immensely talented tight end cut his junior season short in early October, when he withdrew from Oregon and declared his intention to make himself available for the NFL draft. Less than three weeks later, he was arrested on the drug charge.
Lyerl caught just two passes for 26 yards this season, but he caught 25 for 392 yards and six touchdowns in 2012.
He’s obviously an intriguing physical prospect at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. Perhaps he can clean himself up in time to persuade some NFL team take a flyer on him.
But with the Aaron Hernandez ordeal still fresh in everyone’s mind, I wouldn’t count on it.
