SEC Transfers: Michael Dyer Ruled Ineligible, Isaiah Crowell Going To Alabama State
By Kyle Kensing
Running back Michael Dyer’s request for a hardship waiver and immediate eligibility to play for Arkansas State was denied, and the NCAA declared the Auburn transfer ineligible for 2012. The ASU Rivals.com site RedWolfReport.com first reported the news on Friday, with Associated Press confirmation.
Dyer was emerging into a bona fide star for Auburn, racking up 2335 yards rushing in his two seasons at AU. His breathtaking, barrel rolling run against Oregon in the 2011 BCS Championship game set up the Tigers’ game winning, and with that play, it looked like head coach Gene Chizik had his cornerstone for the post-Cam Newton era.
But after a solid sophomore season, Dyer followed offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to ASU. Three months later, he testified in the armed robbery trial of former Tiger Antonio Goodwin. The gun used in the robbery was traced to Dyer, and led to the subpoenaing of Chizik.
"Dyer testified the night of the crime they were all smoking synthetic marijuana and the four players charged in this case were talking about getting a ‘lick in’, a street term for a robbery, because they were broke."
Details of the NCAA’s decision will continue to filter out via the media. The part Dyer’s legal problems played in his ineligibility should be clarified, and will also set a precedent for former Georgia running back Isaiah Crowell.
Mark Richt dismissed Crowell last Friday following the sophomore-to-be’s arrest on felony weapon possession charges. The highly coveted prospect Crowell transferred to Championship Subdivision and SWAC member Alabama State on Thursday.
The NCAA allows players transferring from the FBS to FCS immediate eligibility — so long as the player fulfills regular eligibility standards.
Others with transgressions in their past have found refuge in the FCS, most notably Ryan Perrilloux. Oft troubled at LSU, Perrilloux earned his degree from Jacksonville State last spring. He set NCAA records for passing efficiency while playing for Jack Crowe at JSU.
Marcus Coker is seeking a similar fresh start. Coker joins the Stony Brook football program from Iowa, where he was investigated but not charged in a sexual assault case.
Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow spoke of Crowell getting a fresh start at the HBCU, telling The Atlanta Journal Constitution:
"We’re going to show him how we do things and let him turn the page. We’re giving him an opportunity to start over."
Dyer’s choice to transfer within the FBS and seek a hardship exemption denied, he can sit out the mandatory transfer season and return in 2013 — assuming he doesn’t decide to bolt for the NFL Draft. Come spring 2013, Dyer will be draft eligible. Committing the coming months to individual workouts with his attention on the league is a possibility.