University of Oregon wide receiver Aaron Pflugrad has asked for and has been granted his release from the Ducks’ football program, first-year head coach Chip Kelly confirmed Thursday.

The two-year letterman had accumulated 23 catches for 247 yards and one touchdown as a collegian, including 17 receptions for 168 yards and one score as a true freshman two years ago. Pflugrad also had returned 11 punts for 72 yards since graduating from Eugene’s Sheldon High School in 2007 as a first-team all-state pick.

Pflugrad had enjoyed an outstanding spring with the Ducks, including six catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns in the Spring Game while playing with the first-team offense.

"I have come to the decision that it would be in my best interest to move on to another university at this time in my career," Pflugrad said. "I'm excited about my next opportunity, wherever that may be.

"I would like to thank my teammates for all their support. I will miss them and wish them the best of luck. I also would like to thank the Oregon fans for their support. There also are a number of individuals I will al-ways be grateful to. Coach Rad (Jim Radcliffe, Oregon's strength and conditioning coach) influenced me in a positive way and made me a better person, and I would like to thank Coach (Steve) Greatwood for re-cruiting me to the University of Oregon and giving me an opportunity at the school. I also would like to thank the academic services and the athletic training staffs for their help during my time here.
 
"This is obviously a very personal decision on my part and wish to offer no further explanation."

He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining, in addition to one redshirt year should he transfer to another NCAA Bowl Subdivision (Division I) school.