Oregon RB Seastrunk leaves football program

Eugene OR – The Oregon Ducks will start the season ranked third in the Associated Press poll, but won't have the services of redshirt freshman running back Lache Seastrunk.

Ducks head coach Chip Kelly confirmed Saturday afternoon that Seastrunk requested and was granted his unconditional release to transfer from the school's football program.

"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 in a statement.

Seastrunk, who was battling for a reserve role in the first two weeks of fall camp this year, finished his high school career with 4,127 yards and 52 touchdowns at Temple in Texas.

The Oregonian reported that Seastrunk was upset with his role in Oregon's offense after Friday's practice and did not show up for practice Saturday morning.

The newspaper reported it appeared that Seastrunk had fallen behind true freshman De'Athony Thomas and Tra Carson in the battle for back-up positions behind LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner.

The recruitment of Seastrunk has been the subject of an NCAA investigation. Oregon reportedly paid $25,000 to Willie Lyles and his Houston-based recruiting service after Seastrunk signed on with the Ducks. The information that Oregon paid for was reportedly outdated. In question is if recruiter steered Seastrunk to Oregon, which would be a violation of NCAA rules.

Rumors are abound that Seastrunk will transfer to Baylor. Waco is about 35 miles from where his high school is located.