When the 2013 season ended, Texas Tech was uncertain whether it would have one of its starters on the right side of the offensive line for 2014. Thanks to the events of the day, that uncertainty has been erased in a positive way for the Red Raiders.
On his Twitter account Friday, Tech associate athletic director Blayne Beal confirmed that Rashad Fortenberry “has been granted a medical hardship and will be eligible to play next season.” As he was a senior in 2013, the right tackle’s eligibility had technically expired prior to the NCAA’s instance of benevolence.
The waiver was approved because Fortenberry missed all but three games in 2012 because of a back injury.
Fortenberry spent the first two years of his collegiate career at the JUCO level before transferring to the Red Raiders in 2012. In 2013, Fortenberry started all 13 games and will again be expected to hold down that side of the line again in 2014.
(Photo credit: Texas Tech athletics)