Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham was cautiously optimistic late last month that injury-plagued running back Matt Asiata would receive another season of eligibility from the NCAA.
As it turns out, Whittingham’s optimism was right on the mark.
According to a release issued by the school, Asiata “has been granted a one-year extension by the NCAA.”
Asiata, who was leading the Mountain West Conference in rushing before going down with a season-ending ACL tear last year, has missed 31 games the past three seasons due to injury. In the first game of the 2007 season, the back broke his leg and was out for the duration.
Asiata is rehabilitating from knee surgery and will not be able to participate in spring ball, but is expected to be full strength for fall camp, the release read.
In his career with the Utes, Asiata has rushed for 1,053 yards and 16 touchdowns.
