Masoli cleared to play for Ole Miss
Former Oregon star Jeremiah Masoli has been cleared to play this season for Ole Miss. Masoli, who was ruled ineligible until the 2011 season earlier in the week, appealed the NCAA ruling and won.
Friday, the NCAA ruled that had been cleared to play immediately, overriding the previous decision.
Masoli, from San Francisco, California, transferred to the SEC school after being kicked off of the team at Oregon after pleading guilty to theft and being cited for misdemeanour possession or marijuana.
Masoli planned on playing this season after completing his undergraduate degree at Oregon. With a year of eligibility, Masoli enrolled at Ole Miss to pursue a graduate degree. He stated in his appeal that he was kicked off the football team and not out of school. The 5ft 11in quarterback started his career at the City College of San Francisco before transferring to Chip Kelly's Oregon Ducks.
Mississippi coach Houston Nutt felt that Masoli should be able to play since he has been playing by the rules of the NCAA in regards to transferring.
"There is no question in my mind Jeremiah is in the right place," Nutt said. "We're in the people-helping business. I want to plead with that subcommittee. He's done nothing but what he's supposed to do."
Ole miss was in desperate need for a quarterback after Jevan Snead declared for the NFL Draft last season. Masoli tossed for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, leading Oregon to the Rose Bowl.
A proven double-threat QB, in two seasons at Oregon, Masoli has ran for over 1,500 yards total. The Rebels will be counting on him to perform the same way against SEC competition.
Ole Miss opens the season hosting Jacksonville State on Saturday. Later in the season, Ole Miss has to travel to number one Alabama, no. 17 Arkansas, and no. 21 LSU.
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