Quite the kerfuffle was stirred up last month when it came to 2015 Ohio State signee Jamel Dean, who was not medically cleared by the OSU medical staff because of a recurring knee injury. Despite the fact that OSU had offered Dean a medical hardship, which would allow him to remain on scholarship, the player’s high school coach ripped the football program for “pushing him out.”
Now, nearly a month later, it appears Dean has found a new university that will accommodate his medical issues.
On his Twitter account late this past week, Dean announced that he has decide to move on from Ohio State and, presumably, start his collegiate playing career at Auburn. As Dean is not officially enrolled at the school, AU has yet to publicly address Dean’s addition to the Tigers’ roster.
The previously-mentioned high school coach, though, did confirm it to al.com.
“I’m very excited for Jamel,” the coach, John Wilkinson, said. “He’s getting to go to a great place. Coach (Gus) Malzahn is an unbelievable coach and we have a good relationship with Coach (Will) Muschamp and Travaris Robinson. He was one of first people I contacted to gauge interest.”
Upwards of 30 colleges called expressing interest in Dean, Wilkinson said.
A four-star member of OSU’s 2015 recruiting class, Dean was rated as the No. 35 cornerback in the country and the No. 55 player at any position in the talent-rich state of Florida by Rivals.com. Since being medically disqualified by Ohio State doctors, Dean has been cleared by world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who is based in Alabama. Dr. Andrews is also Auburn’s team physician.
Provided he remains healthy, Dean will be eligible to suit up immediately for the Tigers in 2015.