2018 SEC Football Roster Management

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell
‏ @Michael_Carvell

Pending status of Kevin Richardson huge development for Arkansas defense

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas defensive back Kevin Richardson supposedly played his final game with the Razorbacks on Nov. 24 against Missouri. He was completing his fifth season on campus, and was a participant in senior day ceremonies.

Yet, he is on Arkansas' roster this spring and participated in the Hogs' first spring practice Thursday. So, has Richardson received another year of eligibility?

"No, not yet. Not fully," said coach Chad Morris. "But he's been cleared to practice. And so he's got to go through, I guess, a meeting that's coming up. But he's been cleared to practice."

Richardson has applied through the NCAA to receive a sixth year in Arkansas' program. His case is based on missing nearly all his junior season in 2016 when he suffered a torn pectoral in the season opener.

The bylaw that addresses this scenario states the waiver for an extra year can be granted upon evidence a player missed more than one season during a five-year period due to circumstances beyond his or the institution's control.

However, the bylaw also states requests that do not meet the criteria may still be reviewed.