Troy Stoudermire Gets Medical Waiver And An Extra Year With Minnesota

The Minnesota Golden Gophers football team should be a little bit better off in 2012, as College Football Talk reports on Twitter that defensive back Troy Stoudermire was granted a medical hardship waiver by the Big Ten, and will play in 2012. Soudermire played in just four games before suffering a season-ending arm injury. Now he'll get another year of eligibility so he can try and help the Golden Gophers get back on track with a veteran presence in the secondary, not to mention boost his own chances at the NFL Draft.

Stoudermire had 24 tackles and two picks in the four games he played this past season, and has played on offense, defense and special teams. He's a great kick returner, leading the Big Ten in kick returns as a true freshman. Against New Mexico State, he broke the Big Ten return yards record.

There's a solid chance he'll be able to establish himself in those areas again in preparation of next season. Kim Royston is entering the NFL draft after a huge season, after playing an extra season due to a medical waiver of his own. Stoudermire has a chance to make history repeat itself at this point.