USC running back reinstated
Senior running back Marc Tyler was reinstated to the Trojans’ football program Tuesday after he made comments to the website TMZ implying USC paid its players. Tyler had missed approximately a month of practices and meetings but began working out with the scout team two weeks ago.
“He had a number of things that he had to do between myself … and he did and completed all those things,” said head coach Lane Kiffin. “Anytime that you can add a guy who’s been there, done it, they usually play better than the [less-experienced] guys.”
Tyler should see action this week against Utah, but freshman D.J. Morgan and junior Curtis McNeal will be in line for the bulk of the carries after the pair combined for more than 100 yards in last week’s opener.
Wood enrolls at Colorado
Former Longhorn Connor Wood has officially enrolled at Colorado after transferring from Texas. Wood will practice with the scout team this fall and must sit out this season because of NCAA regulations. He will be able to play next season and should be in competition with freshmen John Shrock and Stevie Joe Dorman, redshirt freshman Nick Hirschman and junior Brent Burnette. Wood has three years of eligibility left.
“Connor obviously gives us another live arm and will help our defense, continue to help our secondary. I think he’s a big-armed kid and can do some things,” said head coach Jon Embree. “… When your scout team makes it harder than it is in the game, then you’ve arrived as a program. So, he gives us a step in the right direction toward that.”
Four suspended Ohio State players to return this week
Starting running back Jordan Hall, starting cornerback Travis Howard, backup defensive back Corey Brown and backup linebacker Jordan Whiting will all be available for the Buckeyes’ game this week against Toledo. Hall, Howard and Brown were all suspended after Ohio State officials found out that they all received benefits of less than $300 at a charity event earlier this year. Whiting had been suspended for accepting cash and discounted tattoos from a local tattoo-parlor owner. Head coach Luke Fickell said he didn’t know if Hall and Howard would regain their starting jobs.
New starting quarterback announced for Notre Dame
After last week’s debacle against South Florida, head coach Brian Kelly has named Tommy Rees the starter at quarterback ahead of Dayne Crist. Rees will start this week against Michigan. Crist had proved ineffective in the first half against South Florida and was benched in favor of Rees. Now, the change seems to be
more permanent.
“I want to win right now. I believe Tommy gives us the best chance to win against Michigan, Kelly said. “Recruiting is always about building for the future. But your roster has to be evaluated about how to win right now. Especially at
Notre Dame.”
Florida DT must sit out one more game before eligible
Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd must sit out another game and repay $2,700 to a charity before he can regain eligibility. Floyd had been declared ineligible after receiving payments exceeding $2,500 over the span of several months from an individual not associated with the university. Floyd used the money for living costs, transportation and other expenses.
“Sharrif has been extremely forthcoming throughout the process and the NCAA has commented on his honesty and openness,” said Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley. “Sharrif grew up in an environment where he didn’t have the things most of us take for granted — food, shelter and clothing. In the absence of parents, there were kind people, in no way affiliated with the University of Florida, who were not boosters or sports agents, that helped him along the way to provide those things that he would otherwise not have had. This is not an issue about his recruitment to the University of Florida or any other university.”
