OHIO STATE FOOTBALL
Freshman receiver will be able to join team
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Ken Gordon
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
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It appears Ray Small has come down on the safe side of the academic fence.
The incoming Ohio State freshman receiver has been cleared for admission to the school, according to two sources close to the program who spoke on the condition of anonymity. A month ago, Small said he was in limbo, having met the NCAA’s minimum standard but still waiting to find out whether he would meet Ohio State criteria.
He did not return a phone call yesterday. A highly ranked recruit out of Cleveland Glenville, he is expected to provide immediate help in the kick-return game.
Small’s name and jersey number (4) appear on the updated OSU roster.
Three players who are not on the roster are receiver Devin Jordan, defensive backs Brandon Underwood and Sirjo Welch, a Beechcroft graduate.
Jordan will get a medical waiver and not return to the team. A fourth-year junior from Massillon, he sat out the 2004 and 2005 seasons after suffering a broken bone in his lower leg in August 2004.
A school spokesman said the status of Underwood and Welch is pending. Their futures might not be known until OSU’s summer session ends the week of Aug. 21.
