| | Bullard ineligible for undisclosed reasons
Associated Press
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida reserve defensive lineman Thad Bullard has been declared ineligible for the Sugar Bowl for undisclosed reasons. The senior from Live Oak played in 10 games this season and had
17 tackles.
His was one of the best stories on the Gators' football team. Two weeks into fall practice of his freshman year, the NCAA
declared him an academic non-qualifier, invalidating a score from
one of his core courses in high school. But he earned back his lost year of eligibility by graduating in
four years. This year, he began work on a master's degree in higher
education. He was elected student vice president and he's active in
several other student groups. Coach Steve Spurrier announced Bullard's ineligibility Tuesday
and said Bullard didn't want to divulge the reason. Spurrier also confirmed the Gators will be without reserve offensive lineman Tommy Hillard, who quit the team last month after sustaining three concussions this season. "His parents and the doctors and trainers all got together and
mutually decided it would be in his best interest not to play any
more," Gators offensive line coach Jimmy Ray Stephens told Florida
Today. Hillard missed the final five games because of a concussion from
the game against Auburn on Oct. 14. He played both guard and center
and would have competed for a starting job next fall. Hillard will be able to remain on a medical hardship scholarship
and complete his education without counting toward the NCAA
scholarship limit of 85.
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