Ole Miss will be without one of its top running backs in 2016.
The reason? Academics… sort of. The school announced Thursday that because of an “administrative error,” junior Jordan Wilkins will miss the entire 2016 season.
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“Jordan Wilkins will miss the 2016 regular season after not meeting NCAA standards for progress toward degree,” the school said in a statement. “An appeal was filed with the NCAA for Jordan’s reinstatement based on an administrative error but was denied this week. The athletics department takes full responsibility and holds itself accountable when situations occur with our student-athletes. We will support Jordan to the fullest during this time and look forward to seeing him return to the field.”
NCAA rules (pg. 165) say a student-athlete entering his or her fourth year academically “shall have completed successfully at least 60 percent of the course requirements in the student’s specific degree program.”
Wilkins, who rushed for 379 yards and four touchdowns in 2015, was competing with senior Akeem Judd to start when Ole Miss opens its season against Florida State in Orlando. Wilkins redshirted in 2013, so he will lose a season of eligibility and can return as a senior in 2017.
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In addition to Judd, who rushed for 425 yards and three scores last year, redshirt junior Eugene Brazley and redshirt freshman Eric Swinney could be in line for increased playing time. The Rebels also added true freshman D’Vaugh Pennamon in its 2016 recruiting class. Like Swinney, Pennamon was a four-star recruit.
For more Ole Miss news, visit RebelGrove.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
