CORONADO, Calif. — Utah coach Kyle Whittingham received a bonus while attending the Mountain West Conference football meetings. He learned that the NCAA has granted wide receiver Brian Hernandez an extra year of eligibility — giving the senior two more seasons with the Utes.
"Great news for the Utes. It's been in the works for several months. It was nothing that came out of the blue," Whittingham said. "It's a plus for us. It just adds even more depth to the receiver group that we have."
Hernandez, who was named to the preseason all-conference team, caught 39 passes for 709 yards and three touchdowns in 2005.
According to University of Utah officials, Hernandez was granted the extra eligibility under an NCAA rule that allows players more time if they miss two seasons for reasons beyond their control. Hernandez missed one campaign because of injury and another because of a family medical emergency.
Hernandez began his collegiate career at Georgia Tech in 2002 but was never cleared to play because of a deep thigh contusion. Family medical issues prompted him to return home to Phoenix and eventually prompted a transfer to Arizona State. After sitting out a year because of NCAA transfer rules, Hernandez opted to play for Pima Community College instead. He then transferred to Utah.
A lingering ankle injury led to offseason surgery, but Hernandez is expected to be ready to go by the time camp opens on Aug. 7.
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