Due to missing one full season and most of another, Keith Smith appealed to the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility.
Unfortunately for the Purdue receiver, those hopes have been officially dashed.
According to a press release issued by the school, Smith’s request for an additional season was denied by the NCAA today.
“The entire Purdue football family is very disappointed for Keith,” head coach Danny Hope said in a statement. “We’re not only losing one of the top wide receivers in the Big Ten, but one on the top leaders on our team. We will do everything we can to help Keith continue his football career and get his Purdue degree.”
“I just want to say thank you to all of the Purdue fans that have made my college career so much more enjoyable,” Smith said. “I’m disappointed that I won’t be in Ross-Ade Stadium playing in front you on Saturdays, but my time as a Boilermaker has left me with a lot of great memories.”
Smith did not play in 2007, and missed all but two games in 2010 due to a torn MCL and ACL suffered in a win over Western Illinois Sept. 11. At the time of the latter injury, he was fourth in the nation with 18 receptions.
In 2009, Smith led the Big Ten with 91 receptions for 1,100 yards. He finished his career in West Lafayette with 1,709 yards receiving and eight touchdowns on 158 receptions.
The 6-2, 226-pound Smith, who will graduate in May with a degree in law and society, will be eligible for the April NFL draft.
