Texas Tech awaits eligibility ruling on top WR Hic Options

[schwab]

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech could be without its top receiver this season following an NCAA ruling that denied a waiver for Jarrett Hicks' academic eligibility.

Earlier this month, Red Raiders coach Mike Leach acknowledged Hicks' eligibility issue when he said the senior receiver was missing practices to study for a test. He also said Hicks, who led the Big 12 in catches per game last season, was resting an injury.

No. 25 Texas Tech, which opens its season Saturday at home against SMU, has appealed the denial, football spokesman Chris Cook said.

Another receiver, freshman Mike Crabtree, is awaiting word on an appeal of his eligibility.

Leach said he's unsure when rulings might come.

"I've been told about a dozen things on that over the last couple of weeks," he said in Thursday's edition of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. "I wish I did know, because it certainly would have improved our preparation and our direction starting the beginning of camp."

Crabtree's status is tied to the NCAA Clearinghouse, which certifies student-athletes to play sports.

Hicks, a starter since his sophomore year, is the Red Raiders' career leader in touchdown receptions with 28. He caught 65 passes for 850 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

If Hicks can't play, sophomore Todd Walker and redshirt freshman Chris Cunigan could replace him.

....this could be bad

[woody]

He's back

woohoo!!!

INDIANAPOLIS---An NCAA membership subcommittee on Friday granted a progress-toward-degree waiver for Texas Tech University football student-athlete Jarrett Hicks, making himeligible for competition.

Texas Tech sought a waiver for Hicks of NCAA progress-toward-degree requirements, and NCAA membership services staff worked with the university to determine the specifics of his situation. While initial requests for a waiver were denied, NCAA staff continued to work with the university when it requested an extension to compile additional information related to Hicks' specific situation.

Once new information was submitted by the university to the NCAA on Thursday (September 21), the Continuing Eligibility Subcommittee of the NCAA's Academic/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet reviewed the information today and granted the waiver.

Comprised of representatives of NCAA member colleges and universities, the subcommittee was originally scheduled to meet on September 7 to review the situation, but the university asked for an extension to compile the additional information.

While it cannot divulge details because of student privacy guidelines, the NCAA subcommittee focused on the particular circumstances of the situation and the new information that was provided.