Rumors had floated around for much of the week, and the big news finally came out publicly on Tuesday night. Five-star Beaverton (Ore.) running back Thomas Tyner decommitted from Oregon.
"How do I know where I'm truly happy if I haven't put myself out there yet?" Tyner tweeted. "Still love my ducks. Gotta do what I gotta do."
The 6-foot, 207-pounder committed to the Ducks almost a year ago in late November after receiving an offer and visiting the school, which is located only a few hours' drive from home. One of the chief reasons why he backed away from his pledge was because he had not visited other schools and, in following Chip Kelly's policy toward commits not taking visits, it was only a matter of time before the two parted ways.
"I just want to be 100 percent of my decision," Tyner told 247Sports. "UCLA is one school I'd like to visit for sure, and there could be others. They have stayed in contact with me every week, and I really love the thought of living in California."
With weeks remaining in the season, it figures to be a busy time for Tyner as he contacts schools to schedule visits. Several have already reached out upon hearing that the talented running back was opening things back up, and it will be an interesting recruitment in the weeks ahead of Signing Day. Tyner, one of the nation's fastest runners on the track, is second in the country with 2,325 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns during his senior season.
Ranked as the nation's No. 10 recruit overall and the best running back in 2013, there should be no shortage of suitors. Oregon is now down to only one running back commitment in DeSoto (Texas) speedster Dontre Wilson for a recruiting cycle in which the Ducks were expected to take three at the position. It's clear Oregon is still right there in the lead to get back a pledge from Tyner; it might be a few months before it can get him back in the fold, though.
Where does Oregon go from here? The staff has stayed in the mix for Richmond (Va.) four-star back Derrick Green and he will make an official visit. But Oregon figures to be behind Michigan and Auburn at this point in the process. UCLA commitment Craig Lee and uncommitted Norcross (Ga.) tailback Alvin Kamara could be two whom the program circles back around on and gauges their interest.
