Antonneous Clayton’s appeal for waiver turned down by NCAA

Players transferring to Georgia Tech under head coach Geoff Collins.

Players transferring to Georgia Tech under head coach Geoff Collins.

Georgia Tech defensive end Antonneous Clayton’s appeal for an immediate-eligibility waiver has been turned down by the NCAA. Clayton learned the outcome Wednesday, a person familiar with the decision told the AJC. A team spokesman confirmed the decision.

Clayton had sought an appeal after the NCAA denied his initial request for a waiver to play immediately after transferring from Florida. After the denial, coach Geoff Collins had stated he "wholeheartedly believed that Clayton, along with cornerback Myles Sims, a transfer from Michigan, met the NCAA standards to be granted a waiver.

Clayton will have to sit out the 2019 season and have one year of eligibility remaining for 2020. Without much experience at the end position, Clayton could have provided a significant boost for the Jackets. The Yellow Jackets open their season Thursday night at No. 1 Clemson.

Tech officials had not heard an answer regarding Sims as of Wednesday afternoon, but expected to get a response later in the day.