Oregon Ducks football: Seastrunk to Baylor after release from Oregon
Five-star recruit Lache Seastrunk was viewed by many Oregon supporters and pundits to be LaMichael James’ long-term replacement at tailback. However, almost as quickly as he arrived, Seastrunk is gone from the Ducks.
Seastrunk wanted out of town
Over the weekend, Seastrunk requested and was granted his unconditional release from the school’s football program. Coach Chip Kelly took the high road about his now-ex halfback, who ran for 4,127 yards and 52 scores in high school.
“We wish Lache all the best in his future pursuits and will offer our complete assistance to him in his search to continue his football and educational career,” Kelly said.
It appears there are three possible reasons for Seastrunk’s abrupt departure. The first is that he was unhappy with his role in the team’s offense. He had reportedly fallen to fourth on the depth chart behind Tra Carson and true freshman De’Anthony Thomas.
The second reason is that Seastrunk’s grandparents aren’t healthy and he wants to attend school closer to them. That explains the rampant rumors that he is about to officially transfer to Baylor, which is roughly 35 miles from his old high school.
The third and most controversial theory is that Seastrunk wanted out of town before Oregon gets slapped on the wrist for a recruiting scandal. The NCAA is investigating Texas businessman Will Lyles, who received $25,000 from Oregon for a recruiting package.
Lyles suggested that the school was actually paying him to gain access to, and influence over, high-profile Texas recruits.
“I felt like something was about to go down, and God wanted me to get up out of there,” Seastrunk said.
About Matt Larkin
