After opting out of the bowl game in what eventually proved to be a move to seek a sixth year of eligibility, Taulia Tagovailoa’s college career is now over with his NCAA waiver expected to be denied. Both Alabama and Maryland were involved in the waiver process in the weeks after Tagovailoa opted out of the Music City Bowl. https://twitter.com/ghafirtheturtle/status/1747303620998054228 “We certainly thank Taulia and his family for all he’s given this program over the last four years. Like all positions, it’s next man up,” head coach Mike Locksley said in December. Locksley then provided credence to the transfer rumors surrounding Tagovailoa during an appearance on 105.7. “I’ve addressed and kind of felt that way the last couple of years and so, when he came and sit down and made the decision that he didn’t want to play in the bowl game in an effort to pursue future opportunities, whether it’d be the NFL, whether it’d be transferring if in fact there were more time available,” Locksley said on 105.7 on Thursday. “It was a pretty easy conversation because the mutual respect was there. He’s done enough and has done what we needed him to do for our program and we’re very thankful, but at the same time we’ve also given him a huge platform to showcase the abilities that we all come to love.” In the end, Maryland fans won’t have to get used to seeing its record-setting quarterback suit up in another college uniform next fall. Tagovailoa instead ends his career as the most productive quarterback in Maryland history after becoming the Big Ten’s all-time passing leader in his final start with 11,256 career yards, along with holding every single-season and career passing record and throwing for 3,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. The ruling for Tagovailoa is consistent with Maryland offensive lineman Corey Bullock, who was also seeking a sixth season of eligibility before declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. The news also comes days after Miami (FL) added former Washington State QB Cam Ward, the second portal quarterback addition in the Canes’ offseason. Tagovailoa joins safety Beau Brade, wide receiver Jeshaun Jones, defensive lineman Tre Colbert, cornerbacks Tarheeb Still and Ja’Quan Sheppard and offensive linemen Mike Purcell, Aric Harris, Gottlieb Ayedze, DJ Glaze and Bullock. https://open.spotify.com/episode/31pzu5iULWuZl6EWJQfv5j?si=20f5d5540009435e Related Links
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