Georgia Tech defensive back Jamal Golden has received a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA, giving him two more years of eligibility, the school announced Thursday.
Golden sustained a season-ending shoulder injury against North Carolina in the third game of last season. With the waiver, Golden enters the 2014 season as a junior.
As a sophomore in 2012, Golden was one of the top return specialists in the nation. He was the only player to rank in the top 10 nationally in both punt return average and kick return average. Golden was the Jackets' special teams player of the year and earned specialist of the game honors in the 2012 Hyundai Sun Bowl victory over USC.
"While we anticipated that Jamal would receive the waiver, I am happy for him," coach Paul Johnson said in a statement. "I know it was difficult for him to watch from the sidelines last season, but he has worked hard to get healthy and he is eager to get started again this spring."
As a member of the secondary, Golden has played safety, cornerback and nickel. He has been cleared to participate in spring practice, which begins March 24.
