A month after defensive tackle Sam Kamp made the decision due to health concerns, Oregon announced Thursday that offensive lineman Andre Yruretagoyena, a potential starter in 2015, will retire from football for personal reasons.
“We wish him all the best,” said Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich.
Yruretagoyena was a redshirt junior in 2014 and started the first two games of the season for the Ducks before going down with a leg injury. That injury kept him sidelined for much of the season, but he was able to play but not start in the team’s final four games, including the Pac-12 title game, the Rose Bowl, and the College Football Playoff title game.
Overall in his Oregon career, Yruretagoyena played in 17 games. According to a release from Oregon, Yruretagoyena said he now plans to “focus on getting my body healthy and graduating.”
“I have the utmost respect for all my coaches and teammates, and can’t thank them enough for the support and opportunity to represent the University of Oregon,” Yruretagoyena said.
“I’d also like to thank the fans of the team for their support and taking their time to come to games; they’re a very big part of this program and their support will always be a huge motivator for the team. I wish the team nothing but a successful year and can’t wait to watch.”
In addition to Yruretagoyena, Oregon also needs to replace departed seniors Hroniss Grasu, Jake Fisher and Hamani Stevens along the offensive line. Fortunately for the Ducks, senior left tackle Tyler Johnstone is set to return after missing all of last year with an injury.
Additionally, Cameron Hunt, Tyrell Crosby, Matt Pierson, Jake Pisarcik and Doug Brenner – all of whom started at least one game last season – are set to return.
Oregon starts spring practice on March 31.
For more Oregon news, visit DuckSportsAuthority.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Oregon OL Andre Yruretagoyena decides to retire
