The NCAA has granted a medical hardship waiver to Maryland Terrapins linebacker Kenny Tate preserving one year of eligibility. Tate, who only played in four games for Maryland during the 2011 season, may return to the program as a fifth-year senior.
The other Terrapins to receive a medical hardship waiver are wide receiver Tyrek Cheeseboro, defensive back Matt Robinson, and defensive lineman Isaiah Ross.
In 2010, Tate ranked No. 2 on the Terrapins with 100 tackles (58 solo). He also tallied 8.5 sacks, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and seven passes defensed. And despite making just four appearances for the Terps in 2011, he nonetheless recorded 35 tackles (20 solo) and two interceptions.
A four-star recruit from DeMatha High, Tate converted from a high school wide receiver to a college defensive back, and then moved to linebacker for the 2011 season. Maryland declined to disclose the nature of the injury which limited him to four games. Notably, Tate was right on the edge of medical hardship waiver eligibility, as four games equals more than 30 percent of the Terps' schedule, but the NCAA granted the request anyway.
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