NCAA Says Warren Is Eligible

The Tennessee Vols got some great news today when the NCAA approved their waiver requests on behalf of sophomore tight end Brandon Warren, making the sophomore tight end from Alcoa eligible to suit up and play for the Vols.

Warren played at Florida State as a freshman in 2006, but transferred to UT in the 07 spring semester to be closer to  his mother, who was diagnosed with cancer. 

Seminoles head coach Bobby Bowden wouldn't release Warren from his scholarship... that necessitated the waiver from the NCAA.

Warren enrolled at Pellissippi State Technical Community College last summer while trying to unravel the red tape keeping him from getting back on the football field.

"I just want to thank the coaching staff for going out on a limb for me and understanding the circumstances I have been in and obstacles I have had to go through," Warren said in a statement released by UT this morning.

"I also thank the university and the NCAA for giving me this chance."

Coach Phillip Fulmer said in the statement released this morning: "I'm really excited for Brandon. I appreciate his hard work while he has been here getting his academics in order.

"I also appreciate the work of our compliance staff and the Southeastern Conference, and the wisdom of the NCAA staff of approving this for a quality young man. The whole system is about helping student-athletes be successful, and it's good to see they are making that happen."