Media Day Starts 2012 Season

Eugene -- The 2012 Oregon football season started today with Media Day. Oregon Head Football Coach Chip Kelly told assembled media that the Ducks conducted a walk-through this morning and will hold the first practice session this afternoon. Oregon is the three-time straight defending conference champion and won the 2012 Rose Bowl by defeating Wisconsin, 45-38.

The Ducks have a full roster of players on hand though Chip Kelly indicated this morning that sophomore Colt Lyerla was excused from the first day of camp.

"We have 104 players here right now," Kelly said of The Opening day practice. "Colt Lyerla who had a great summer for us had a couple of things he has to take care of and should practice shortly but is not here today."

Kelly did not elaborate why Lyerla was absent from practice.

The first afternoon practice session started at 1:15 p.m. on Monday and will conclude around 3:30 p.m.