North Dakota State defensive end Nick Compton, who's been virtually forgotten since injuring his shoulder last spring, is hoping to get clearance this week to play.
The sophomore was expected to challenge for a starting spot in spring football practice until surgery shelved him for what was expected to be the entire 2006 season. But Compton has been working out with NDSU strength and conditioning coach Jim Kramer the past few weeks and could see action on special teams yet this season.
"Just how much we'll use him, I don't know," NDSU head coach Craig Bohl said.
Compton will most likely not be able to take a medical hardship because of NCAA rules, Bohl said. He spent his freshman season in 2004 as a redshirt and athletes gets five years to complete four years of eligibility.
"You can file for a waiver but there's no real justification," Bohl said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Compton played in all 11 games last season, getting32 tackles, forced one fumble and recovered another. But NDSU's depth at linebacker and a lack of it at defensive end last spring helped sell Compton on a position switch.
A torn labrum ended his hopes.
He needs to get the OK from an NDSU team physician before he can play.
"He's not quite there yet, but he's close," Bohl said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Jeff Kolpack at (701) 241-5546
