One of the feel-good stories of the USF football program will continue on to another, final collegiate chapter.
The Bulls announced Saturday that Daniel Awoleke has been awarded a sixth season of eligibility and will play for Willie Taggart‘s squad in 2016. While the reasons behind the waiver are complicated, the fact that Awoleke will return is a boost for USF’s defensive line.
“He filled out a waiver with the NCAA and he found out (Friday) that he can come back, and it’s great news for all of us. We’re really excited,” Taggart said according to the Tampa Bay Times.
“I know he was excited, but it was great to see how excited his teammates were, knowing that they’re gonna have another year with him around here, running around on special teams and hitting people really hard, and then helping out on the defensive line.”
Shortly before the start of the 2015 season, the one-time walk-on Awoleke was rewarded with a scholarship. The end proceeded to go on to play in all 13 games that season and record four tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. At 6-5, 283 pounds, he was also named the team’s Special Teams Most Valuable Player.Senior DT Daniel Awoleke back on the field, cleared by the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility yesterday. pic.twitter.com/izVq1ww7o3
— USF Football (@USFFootball) March 26, 2016