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| (Photo: Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports) |
Lyerla's college career as a tight end bristled with potential but was cut short by personal problems and off-field issues. During the 2012 season, his sophomore year, he amassed 25 receptions for 392 yards and 6 touchdowns. Mel Kiper Jr. had him listed as the number two tight end prospect for the 2014 NFL Draft, behind current Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
However, his junior year of 2013 was cut short after a violation of team rules, which also led to his withdrawal from school. These actions were compounded by a cocaine-possession charge just weeks later. NFL scouts touted his athletic ability and talent, but were unwilling to draft him due to his personal problems.
The Green Bay Packers signed Lyerla as an undrafted free agent following the 2014 draft, but a training camp injury left him without a roster spot. After a year out of the game, the Rattlers made him a member of their team on Nov. 5. The trade with Portland was finalized on Thursday.
If he can avoid issues off the field, Lyerla's size (6'4", 245 pounds) and quickness (4.61 seconds in the 40-yard dash) make him a viable offensive threat for the Steel. Portland's head coach, Ron James, claimed "Colt is a tremendous talent. We’re eager to see how his skills translate to the arena game."
Mudge played nine games for the Steel in 2015 before a Week 11 injury sidelined him for the rest of the year.
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