Christmas came early for the Tennessee Volunteers. Last night, it was reported that star defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon has been cleared to play this season. That will give the Tennessee defensive line a tremendous lift after being ranked in the bottom half of the conference in run defense in 2018.
BREAKING: Michigan transfer Aubrey Solomon has been granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA!!! ⬇️⬇️⬇️https://t.co/76mLIlkFyw
— Austin Price (@AustinPriceless) August 27, 2019
Solomon was the No. 2 defensive tackle prospect in the Class of 2017 according to 247 Sports. He committed to play for Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan, and he saw action in 18 games during his two seasons in Ann Arbor. Solomon only accumulated 19 total tackles with the Wolverines though, and he entered the transfer portal shortly after the end of last season.
Solomon has been in Knoxville, training and practicing with Tennessee since January. He would have had to sit out this season if his waiver for immediate eligibility was not granted, and he had to wait until just before the start of the Volunteers’ season to receive approval from the NCAA.
His presence could be huge for Tennessee. The Volunteers were set to enter the season with only three defensive linemen that had played a down of college football, so at the very least he will give the program another player with experience in the trenches.
In response to the news, Tennessee head coach released the following statement:
“I’m excited for Aubrey and his family. He’s a great person. I know this has been tough for him kind of waiting on this the last six or seven months here. He’s stayed the course, done really well in school. I’m glad he’s getting an opportunity to play.”
Solomon will have two more years of eligibility remaining as a result of the waiver. He figures to instantly move into the starting line-up when Tennessee opens its season against Georgia State on Saturday.
H/T ESPN and Rivals
