Rutgers football opened training camp on Wednesday, but Drew Singleton wasn’t able to practice with the Scarlet Knights.
The linebacker is still awaiting a verdict on his final year of eligibility, which the NCAA previously nixed because Singleton accepted money for training expenses after he declared for the NFL Draft. Singleton paid that money back, and is now hoping to get another chance to play for Rutgers this season.
Head coach Greg Schiano believes Singleton should be granted his waiver and suit up for the Scarlet Knights once again.
“We’re waiting to hear,” Schiano said. “I don’t want to sound like I’m a know-it-all or anything. I just hope they do the common sense thing. I get there’s rules. This kid, everybody wants people to play in the bowl games…but there’s this thing called the NFL, and these guys want to be able to be ready for it. I was so impressed that Drew came back and played in that game even though he decided to go pro, and then he gets hurt playing for Rutgers.
“When we get home Jan. 2, he’s in a boot. I don’t know, we’re just waiting to see.”
Singleton thought his Rutgers career was over despite having a year of eligibility left when he declared for the draft, but after Texas A&M dropped out of the Gator Bowl due to COVID-19 issues, the Newark native decided to join his team on just over a week’s notice to try and win a bowl game. Instead, he suffered an ankle injury and now may not have another chance to finish his collegiate career on a high note.
“He is allowed to be out here as a volunteer coach because of today, he has no eligibility left,” Schiano said. “The minute he gets reinstated, he switches and becomes a college football player again. That's my hope and prayer.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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