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Rice University Athletics
Football: Practice Report #32
11/1/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aaron Sandoval, expected to be the Owls' starting center this year before a preseason knee injury, has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, Rice officials learned Wednesday. The Tomball native had been forced to redshirt as a true freshman in 1996 when he suffered a knee injury the week of that season opener, and he has missed all of the 2000 season when he hurt his other knee just prior to the opener vs. Houston.
"We're happy he'll be eligible to play another year for us," said head coach Ken Hatfield. "He's working hard to get his leg well, and that will be a real boost for us next year."
Eleven other seniors will be honored prior to the SMU game, but not all will be able to play in the game. The others, such as linebacker LonDee Smith and defensive end Jarrett Erwin, have already had their seasons ended by injury.
"I told the seniors today, it won't hit them until you're introduced the last time," said Hatfield. "You'll remember the great moments you've had here, and the great games, like BYU in '97, Colorado State in '98 and TCU last year. It will mean a lot to them."
Kickoff will be at 2 pm (CST) in Rice Stadium.
