The NCAA has granted the appeal for an immediate-eligibility waiver for cornerback Myles Sims, but turned down the appeal of defensive end Antonneous Clayton. Both players and the school learned the decisions Wednesday, the day before the Yellow Jackets open the season against No. 1 Clemson.
Both players sought waivers after the NCAA initially turned down their requests for immediate-eligibility waivers after transferring, Sims from Michigan and Clayton from Florida.
Coach Geoff Collins had strong words for the NCAA regarding Clayton’s denial.
“I’m happy for Myles and for our team that he has been granted immediate eligibility. This is the right decision for the young man,” Georgia Tech head coach Geoff Collins said in a statement. “At the same time, I vehemently disagree with the NCAA’s decision to not grant immediate eligibility for Antonneous. As an athletics department and a football program, we remain confident that he meets the stated criteria for immediate eligibility and by not granting it, the NCAA does not have the best interests of the student-athlete in mind.”
Clayton will have to sit out the 2019 season and have one season of eligibility remaining for 2020. Without much experience at the end position, Clayton could have provided a significant boost for the Jackets.
Sims has four seasons of eligibility starting with this season and can play Thursday. He will add to the depth at cornerback, joining a young group that includes Tre Swilling, Jaytlin Askew, Zamari Walton, Jordan Huff and Kenan Johnson.
