Wide receiver Tab Perry has been readmitted to UCLA and has
rejoined the football team, the Athletics Department announced on
Tuesday.
A senior, Perry had missed the entire 2003 season due to
academic ineligibility and had announced earlier in the year he
intended to transfer from UCLA to a Division I-AA school.
But Perry changed his mind and took classes at UCLA, San Jose
State and over the Internet in order to be readmitted to UCLA.
Perry will give the UCLA offense ““ a unit that struggled
mightily last season ““ a huge boost.
In 2002, Perry logged 698 yards on 35 receptions and averaged
19.9 yards per catch ““ a conference high. He also set a UCLA
record in kickoff returns, with 626 yards, averaging 25 yards per
return. He will give the Bruins another veteran wide receiver to
complement Craig Bragg.
School officials have forwarded the proper paperwork to the NCAA
to establish that Perry has met all NCAA requirements for
eligibility.
According to NCAA rules, if Perry is reinstated, he will have to
follow a five-day acclimatization period. On Wednesday and
Thursday, Perry would be limited to practicing in his helmet only.
On Friday and Saturday, Perry would be allowed to wear a helmet and
shoulder pads but would be unable to participate in
Saturday’s scrimmage game. Beginning on Sunday, he would be
cleared to put on full pads for all practices.
The Bruins’ first game of the season is on Sept. 4 against
Oklahoma State at the Rose Bowl. Practices will be open to the
public until Aug. 26.