There’s good news and bad news on the Will Hagerup front for Michigan.
The good news is that the punter has been reinstated to the Wolverines football program by head coach Brady Hoke. Suspended since the days leading up to the Outback Bowl for violating unspecified team rules, Hagerup will be allowed to return for voluntary summer workouts and team functions.
“The past five months have been an incredible, humbling time for me,” said Hagerup in a portion of his statement released through the school. “I understand my actions represent every person that supports me, as well as any man who has worn a Michigan jersey the past 133 years. My dad always says that character is how you act when no one is watching. In retrospect, I needed to take a big step in the character department, and I’m excited in the progress I’ve made in the last five months.”
The bad news, though, is that Michigan also announced that Hagerup will not play during the 2013 season. He will be permitted to practice with his teammates beginning in summer camp and throughout the season, provided there’s not another misstep of course.
Hagerup will have one season of eligibility remaining in 2014.
“I want to thank coach Hoke, [athletic director] Dave Brandon, [director of athletic counseling] Greg Harden and all of my teammates who have supported me and always made time for me in their busy schedules, even when it looked like I may not ever play here again. They have given me a new opportunity to become the Michigan Man I always wanted to be and I plan on taking advantage of that second chance. That said -- I realize everyone needs to see my actions, not simply hear about them.”
In 2012, Hagerup led the Big Ten in punting and was named the conference’s punter of the year. His 45.0 yards per punt average was good for No. 11 in the country.
With Hagerup out, junior Matt Wile is expected to take over as UM’s punter.