One of the highest-rated players in Auburn’s most recent recruiting class has appeared to have traversed the lone remaining obstacle on his path to The Plains.
Speaking to al.com‘s Brandon Marcello, Prince Tega Wanogho revealed that he has been cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse and can now enroll in classes at Auburn. Wanogho moved from Nigeria to Alabama last year, and it was a review of the academic records from his home country that led to the delay in clearance.
Marcello did note that the school has yet to confirm Wanogho’s announcement, although the player intends to be on campus a week from Sunday.
“I tried to stop thinking about it but I just couldn’t. It’s a great day,” Wanogho told the website. “I’m really happy to get that and I’m looking forward to moving over there. I’m actually getting bored not having school. I just go work out. Now I’ve got a chance to go over there and meet up with my classmates and get to know everybody.”
A four-star member of AU’s 2015 recruiting class, Wanogho was rated as the No. 9 strongside defensive end in the country; the No. 6 player at any position in the state of Alabama; and the No. 130 player overall according to Rivals.com. Just two offensive players -- running backs Jovon Robinson (6.1) and Kerryon Johnson (6.0) and one defensive player -- defensive end Byron Cowart (6.1) -- carried a higher rating in this year’s class than Wanogho’s 5.9.
While there was good news on the academic front, it doesn’t necessarily mean Wanogho will see the playing field as a true freshman in 2015. During a November basketball game last year, Wanogho fractured both the tibia and fibula in his left leg. Less than two months before summer camp kicks off, Wanogho is only to the point in his rehab where he’s doing some “slight jogging.”
(Photo credit: Rivals.com)