Cyclone DT recruit

**dualthreat** · 01-06-2010, 02:01 PM

4-star recruit Matagi Tonga of San Mateo JUCO is now taking a visit to USC and Cal. He had ISU on his short list of 3, but apparently that is changing. He is going to make a decision on his final visits by sunday.

A question was brought up on the USC message boards. Here is how it went: Tonga was recruited by BYU out of high school. He played 1 year and then was "kicked off" the team. He sat out 2 years and was not part of the BYU football team. He then played one year at a JUCO. Some of the USC people thought that that would make him a Redshirt Senior, while others thought he should still be a true JR because of the 2 years he sat out and did not play at all.

Does anyone know the correct rule? Can someone play a year and then take a few years off before playing again?

**JUKEBOX** · 01-06-2010, 02:06 PM

Football?

**dualthreat** · 01-06-2010, 02:07 PM

Yes football. Is there anything i can do?

**CycloneErik** · 01-06-2010, 02:07 PM

It's a new position, the 4.5

**Knownothing** · 01-06-2010, 02:07 PM

Call Gillstrap and ask him. He is an expert on this stuff.

**CYVADER** · 01-06-2010, 02:10 PM

i heard he only had 1 yr to play but think that was on here.

**jay moe** · 01-06-2010, 02:12 PM

He would have only one year left if everything is correct. Once you start playing your eligibility clock starts running.

**KMAC_ATTACK** · 01-06-2010, 02:16 PM

Academically he would be a senior, however, this is the 5 year to play 4 rule without a medical redshirt, he is only granted 5 years to complete his eligibility. If the scenario is correct, i think he would be considered a senior with the potential to petition the NCAA to allow a 6th year of eligibility.

I think its a mute point, if he's considering USC, there are no NCAA rules that apply to them in football!!!!!

**synapticwave** · 01-06-2010, 02:23 PM

If the scenario you laid out it correct he would have 1 year left to play because his 5 year clock started the day he started practicing or took his first class at BYU. However, the NCAA allows you to "pause" your clock for up to 2 years for a "religious pilgrimage." This 2 year exception is almost entirely a result of BYU, because Mormons/LDS members are required to take a 2 year mission trip before they are 21. (not sure what they call it exactly or if the 21 year old rule is 100% correct but it's something like that). So, since he was at BYU, it's possible he took advantage of this rule, after leaving BYU, to help save his clock. Incidentally, this is also the reason why BYU has the highest average age of players of all D1 FB teams.

**Cydkar** · 01-06-2010, 02:24 PM

Kicked out of BYU? Did he have a Pepsi?

**2020cy** · 01-06-2010, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by KMAC_ATTACK

Academically he would be a senior, however, this is the 5 year to play 4 rule without a medical redshirt, he is only granted 5 years to complete his eligibility. If the scenario is correct, i think he would be considered a senior with the potential to petition the NCAA to allow a 6th year of eligibility.

I think its a mute point, if he's considering USC, there are no NCAA rules that apply to them in football!!!!!

Exactly, if he went to ISU he would have one year, USC= 4yrs.

**Al_4_State** · 01-06-2010, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by Cydkar

Kicked out of BYU? Did he have a Pepsi?

Probably. I'm pretty sure Mormons are only allowed Diet Rite.

Originally Posted by KMAC_ATTACK

I think its a mute point, if he's considering USC, there are no NCAA rules that apply to them in football!!!!!

Is that a point that can't talk? I keed.

**aauummm** · 01-06-2010, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by Al_4_State

mute point

Is that a point that can't talk? I keed.

**heitclone** · 01-06-2010, 03:24 PM

If hes going to USC, I predict he'll be a redshirt frosh. They have their own set of rules.

**isufbcurt** · 01-06-2010, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by synapticwave

If the scenario you laid out it correct he would have 1 year left to play because his 5 year clock started the day he started practicing or took his first class at BYU. However, the NCAA allows you to "pause" your clock for up to 2 years for a "religious pilgrimage." This 2 year exception is almost entirely a result of BYU, because Mormons/LDS members are required to take a 2 year mission trip before they are 21. (not sure what they call it exactly or if the 21 year old rule is 100% correct but it's something like that). So, since he was at BYU, it's possible he took advantage of this rule, after leaving BYU, to help save his clock. Incidentally, this is also the reason why BYU has the highest average age of players of all D1 FB teams.

This is true, from the time you start college you have 5 years (including a redshirt year) to be eligble to play sports.

The Mission rule is also correct, I believe Cory Pence who was from Roland/Story and played OL for us did a Mormon mission.