Notre Dame safety Jamoris Slaughter was denied a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA on Thursday, the school announced.
Slaughter tore the Achillies tendon in his left foot in a Week 3 win at Michigan State, costing him his fifth and final season with the Irish.
“I appreciate the NCAA taking the time to thoroughly look into Jamoris’ application for a sixth year,” coach Brian Kelly said in a statement. “Jamoris is a first-class young man and most importantly leaves Notre Dame with his degree. We wish him all the best as he now pursues his dream of playing in the NFL.”
Slaughter played in 39 games and started 19, finishing his college career with 98 tackles, eight passes defended, four tackles for loss, two picks, two sacks and one forced fumble.
He joined Notre Dame in 2008 but redshirted during his first season. He graduated last May with a degree in industrial design from the College of Arts and Letters.
"I understood that a sixth year was far from a guarantee," Slaughter said in a statement. "It is sad to know that my time at Notre Dame as a football player is complete, but it doesn't lessen my love for this university and its football program. This decision simply begins the next chapter of my life and I'll be forever grateful for my coaches, teammates and all the Irish fans that supported me throughout my career."
Matthias Farley started in Slaughter's place in 2012 and is expected start again this upcoming season.
