Michigan DE Mario Ojemudia says his college career is over
Michigan defensive end Mario Ojemudia says his college career is over.
Ojemudia, a senior, suffered a torn Achilles against Maryland on Oct. 3. The program made efforts to retrieve a medical hardship waiver for Ojemudia, which would allow him to return in 2016. However, according to a post from Ojemudia on Instagram, it did not come to fruition.
“It’s always a great day to be a Michigan Wolverine, but unfortunately for me those days have officially come to an end,” Ojemudia wrote. “Though things didn’t work out how I wanted them. I know God has a plan, and the first step of that plan is getting healthy to play at the next level. Go Blue.”
The NCAA only grants medical hardships when a player participates in 30 percent or less of his or her team’s games in a season. Ojemudia played in five of the Wolverines’ 12 games – well over 30 percent.
Ojemudia was quite productive before going down with the injury. In those five games, he totaled 19 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks.
According to the Detroit Free-Press, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said after the injury occurred that Ojemudia has NFL potential.
“He was really playing well, opening a lot of eyes,” Harbaugh said. “Where he’ll go, if he goes through the tough, grueling rehab, he’ll continue to playing football (in the NFL) next year, the year after and for some time to come. Because he’s a very talented player.”
Overall in his career, Ojemudia registered 82 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 36 games.
Michigan (9-3) will finish out Harbaugh’s first season as head coach against Florida in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day.
For more Michigan news, visit TheWolverine.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
