Jordan Makes The Grade
8/25/2000 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 25, 2000
By Dave Ginsburg, Associated Press
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- LaMont Jordan, the NCAA active rushing leader, has completed his academic requirements and is once again eligible to practice with the Maryland football team.
Jordan joined the team Friday after learning that he passed his summer school courses. Although he missed a week of practice, Jordan expects to be in top shape for the Sept. 9 opener.
"I had a number of academic obligations to complete. Now that those have been finished, I look forward to practice and our opening game against Temple," Jordan said.
The 5-foot-11 senior has 3,227 career yards rushing over three seasons. Last year he scored 16 touchdowns and set school records for yards rushing in a season (1,632) and game (306, against Virginia).
But until he received his grades Friday, there was serious doubt as to whether he would return for his final year of eligibility. His picture is not on the cover of the Terrapins' media guide, even though he is a genuine threat to win the Heisman Trophy.
"We are pleased LaMont has successfully finished all his academic requirements and will be a part of our team this season," Maryland coach Ron Vanderlinden said. "He has taken another step closer to earning his degree, which is important to all of us."
Jordan went through the same process last year. He returned in time to play in the season opener.
"Not being out there and getting that continuity with my teammates, that's the big downfall about this," Jordan said last Thursday.
With Jordan in the backfield, the Terrapins hope to earn a bowl bid for the first time since 1990, when they tied Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl.
