The 2011 season wasn’t particularly bountiful on the good-news front for Minnesota, but 2012 is starting off a little bit better for the Gophers.
Senior cornerback Troy Stoudermire suffered a fractured arm in September and did not play the remainder of the season. At the time it was thought he might’ve played his final game at Minnesota. As it turns out, benevolence has ensured that it wasn’t.
The Gophers announced via a press release Friday that Stoudermire has been granted a medical hardship waiver by the Big Ten and was given another season of eligibility in 2012. The release stated Stoudermire’s participation in the 2011 season -- he played in four games before the injury -- will not count against him, and this year will be his final season of eligibility.
“This is great news for Troy and for our program,” head coach Jerry Kill said. “I’m really excited for Troy and glad to have him back with us next season.”
“I’m just excited and happy,” Stoudermire said. “I’ve been waiting on this thing for a long time. Now, I’m just looking forward to getting back there for my first workout and getting back with the team.”
In addition to his standout play in the secondary, Stoudermire is also the conference and school record-holder for kickoff return yards with 3,102.