by Rob Moseley

Editor, GoDucks.com

After sitting out the 2015 season, running back Thomas Tyner has taken a medical retirement from football, UO coach Mark Helfrich said Friday.

Tyner, an elite in-state recruit from Aloha, was Oregon's third-leading rusher in both 2013 and 2014. He sat out the 2015 season with injuries that ultimately led to his retirement.

“We thank Thomas and wish him well,” Helfrich said. “We will continue to support his efforts to graduate from the University of Oregon.”

As a true freshman in 2013, Tyner ran for 711 yards and nine touchdowns on 115 carries. He established his career high with 140 yards in the Civil War that season.

Tyner ran for 573 yards and five touchdowns on 113 carries as a sophomore, despite a midseason injury that caused him to miss all or most of five games. He returned with vigor in the College Football Playoff, leading the Ducks with 124 yards and two touchdowns in a Rose Bowl victory over Florida State, and with 62 yards against Ohio State in the national championship game.

In Tyner's absence last season, Royce Freeman led the Ducks in rushing for the second year in a row, establishing a UO record with 1,836 yards and 17 touchdowns. Freshmen Taj Griffin and Tony Brooks-James teamed with sophomore Kani Benoit to combine for another 1,222 yards in reserve.