An integral part of The University of Memphis’ nationally-ranked football defense will not be with the team this fall because he failed to meet academic requirements.
Defensive lineman Andre Arnold, a two-year starter and first-team Conference USA selection last year, will apparently transfer to another school after failing to meet academic eligibility requirements at The U of M.
Arnold could transfer to an NCAA Division I-AA school and be eligible to play this season. However, if he elects to transfer to another I-A school, Arnold would be required to sit out a year.
Arnold, who would have been a senior, tied for the conference lead with 13 sacks last year and was an important part of a defense that was ranked first nationally against the run and sixth in total defense. Arnold was also named to the C-USA All-Freshman team in 1998.
“Obviously it takes a very good player and a pass rush threat away from us, but on the other hand, there is an opportunity for someone else now and they have to step up,” said U of M head football coach Tommy West.
Five other players cited for academic misconduct will miss the season-opener against Mississippi State.
