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ESPN Senior Writer
Chris Low
College football press reporter
Joined ESPN.com in 2007
Graduate of the University of Tennessee
The SEC altered its rules to enable immediate eligibility for intraconference transfers due to the coronavirus pandemic by approving waivers for some gamers who moved within the league, the conference revealed on Wednesday.
Previously, the SEC had mandated that players transferring within the league had to remain a year before they were qualified. Before Wednesdays change, the previous time the SEC changed the intraconference transfer rule was in 2018, when it created two exceptions– one for graduate transfers and one for gamers on teams dealing with NCAA postseason bans.
” It should be mentioned unequivocally that these approvals are entirely a reflection of the unique scenarios present and need to not be analyzed as endorsement of the rationale state by individuals seeking these waivers,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey stated in a declaration. “These are unprecedented times in which choices about eligibility and competitive opportunities require consideration of the current challenges dealing with student-athletes and schools as a result of COVID-19. In a non-COVID environment there may have been a different outcome for a few of the waiver requests figured out today.”
This most current modification, voted on by the SEC chancellors and presidents, implies previous Georgia offensive lineman Cade Mays will be qualified this season at Tennessee and previous Auburn quarterback Joey Gatewood will be eligible at Kentucky. Both had previously gotten waivers from the NCAA, however were waiting to see if the SEC modified its guideline on in-league transfers.
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ESPN Senior Writer
Mark Schlabach
Senior college football author
Author of 7 books on college football
Graduate of the University of Georgia
1 RelatedKentucky coach Mark Stoops tweeted that his program was “excited” Gatewood received the waiver to play this season.
The SECs choice does not impact Ole Miss security Otis Reese, who played at Georgia last season, because he hasnt got a waiver from the NCAA, sources informed ESPN.
The SEC is anticipated to consider making long-lasting modifications to the rule at a later date.
” It should be mentioned unquestionably that these approvals are entirely a reflection of the special circumstances present and ought to not be translated as recommendation of the rationale set forth by people looking for these waivers,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey stated in a declaration. In a non-COVID environment there might have been a different outcome for some of the waiver requests determined today.”
With Mays eligible to play this season, that indicates he will face his old team next week when Tennessee plays at Georgia on Oct. 10. The Vols deal with Missouri this Saturday at home, and Mays most likely position is right deal with. Mays published a statement on social media on Wednesday, thanking those who assisted in the eligibility process.
” Our member organizations have actually been clear in the past that they oppose instant eligibility for intraconference transfers,” Sankey said in the statement. “Given the increased variety of waiver demands this year, and a changing nationwide landscape associated to student-athlete transfer issues, it appears that the present transfer bylaw should undergo an extensive review by Conference subscription in the most timely manner prior and possible to the 2012-22 scholastic year.”
With Mays eligible to play this season, that indicates he will face his old group next week when Tennessee plays at Georgia on Oct. 10. The Vols face Missouri this Saturday in the house, and Mays more than likely position is right deal with. Mays posted a statement on social media on Wednesday, thanking those who assisted in the eligibility process.
Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt said Mays could play anywhere on the offensive line and brings indispensable SEC experience.
“Unless youve played in this league a lot of years, youre not going to replicate it in practice, so hes a guy whos been through a lot of wars,” Pruitt stated of Mays, who made 18 starts in his 2 seasons at Georgia.
