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Auburn transfer Dean says he must redshirt this year
Jamel Dean, who transferred to Auburn from Ohio State this offseason, will not be able to play this season due to NCAA transfer rules and will take a redshirt year.
Dean told Florida Today, "Because of the whole NCAA transfer thing, I've got to sit out a year, so I've got to redshirt."
The freshman cornerback was a sought-after four-star recruit out of high school in Florida, but after suffering multiple injuries to the same knee as an upperclassman and being unable to participate in Ohio State's spring practice this year due to lingering issues with the same knee, the Buckeyes ruled him medically ineligible and offered him a medical hardship, which would have ended his playing career but allowed him to stay on scholarship. Dean instead opted to transfer, with famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews providing him support in the form of a statement that he could continue with his career and overcome his knee issues if he were able to strengthen his quads.
Dean, listed at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, settled on Auburn after being contacted by several teams. However, NCAA rules dictate that a player who transfers within the Football Bowl Subdivision must sit out a year of competition. Since he is a freshman, Dean will still have four years of eligibility remaining with the Tigers.
And as for his medical condition, Dean seems to be confident about his future, as he told Florida Today, "I could have played this year."
(h/t Yahoo Sports)
Image Credit: Thomas Shea, Getty Images
