Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Greg Bryant is academically ineligible and will not play for the team this season. Pete Sampson of Scout.com’s Irish Illustrated reported the unfortunate news which, according to Bryant’s father, Greg Sr., is because his son earned a B- in a summer school class when he needed a B+.
BREAKING: Greg Bryant academically ineligible for his junior season, will not report to training camp with team.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) August 4, 2015
Father said Bryant needed a B+ in a summer school course to stay eligible. Received a B- “It was that close,” Bryant Sr. said.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) August 4, 2015
Brian Kelly confirms that Greg Bryant will not play for Notre Dame this year.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) August 4, 2015
Running back’s father tells Irish Illustrated that Bryant will return to campus on Aug. 22 as a student. Future unclear beyond that point.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) August 4, 2015
Notre Dame confirmed the news in a statement.
#NotreDame officially confirms tailback Greg Bryant will not play in 2015. pic.twitter.com/ZWw3YjEaje
— Brian Hamilton (@_Brian_Hamilton) August 4, 2015
It’s a tough blow for Notre Dame and for Bryant, who was looking forward to once again being part of a Notre Dame running back 1-2 punch along with teammate Tarean Folston, who led the team with 889 rush yards on 175 carries last year with six touchdowns while also pulling in 18 receptions for 190 yards and a touchdown.
Bryant, as the No. 2 back, had 289 yards on 54 carries for three touchdowns plus five catches for 50 yards, but was set to miss the first four games of the season even if he was allowed to play.
In his absence, either Austin or Bailey Ross or Josh Anderson should see backup duties.
Just what happens next for Bryant remains to be seen, but Campus Sports will update this story if any new information regarding him becomes available.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports