Random Question about NCAA eligibility

[BowlingGreen80]

Hello - first post here! I've got another post to make soon with some cool BG-related things, but I'll hold off until later.

But I want to start out with a weird question that maybe someone can answer for me.

One of my best friends has a little brother who used to play at CMU and wants to come to BG. He was a preferred walk-on last season with the Chippewas and participated in summer practice with the team this season (from early August 2016 to late August 2016) . He decided to leave the team before the first game of the year and before classes started because he felt he'd a have better opportunity somewhere else and he didn't care for his position coach. He's currently back at home and plans to enroll at BG in January 2017.

My question is if he immediately eligible to play in 2017, or will he need to sit out the entire 2017 season because he was officially on the 2016 CMU roster? I don't think he'll be able to play in 2017 because of this and my friend thinks I'm wrong.

Sorry for the strange question.....just wondered if anyone could answer this for me.

[pdt1081]

My question is if he immediately eligible to play in 2017, or will he need to sit out the entire 2017 season because he was officially on the 2016 CMU roster? I don't think he'll be able to play in 2017 because of this and my friend thinks I'm wrong.

Sorry for the strange question.....just wondered if anyone could answer this for me.

Based solely on the information given, he will be eligible to play as a transfer for the 2017 season. Being on the roster doesn't matter. The last time he was on the field during official NCAA play is what matters.

[MarkL]

I believe he is eligible immediately because he left before first game and first class. And since he was not on scholarship, CMU cannot hold any conditional release over him so he can transfer anywhere and earn a scholarship.

[MarkL]

Quick addition. An athlete has 5 years to complete 4 years of eligibility. I believe that 5 year clock starts when first taking a class or playing a game, not when first enrolling at a university. Point is I believe given what we know the kid could enroll at BG and join the team with five years of eligibility. Now don't quote me on any of this. I am not an NCAA elibility expert and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

[Papa Chief 65]

Yes...I think he can go right away. The 5 years to play 4 affords a redshirt / medical year/ transfer. One thing, was he a full time student taking classes somewhere? That is when your eligible clock starts. that is what I remember. The rest should hold true from the other posts...

[BowlingGreen80]

Thanks for the responses! This helps. I thought for sure if you were a part of the roster prior to first game that you'd ineligible for 2017 so I guess this isn't the case.