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Dan Murphy, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Dennis Norfleet able to explore options, still may return to Michigan

College Football, Michigan Wolverines

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan's Dennis Norfleet was granted a release this summer to explore his options with other football programs, Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh said Tuesday.

Norfleet, a senior, was suspended from team activities in May for academic reasons. At the time, he and several people close to him said he would like to find a way to finish his degree at Michigan and continue to play for the Wolverines. That door hasn't completely closed yet, according to Harbaugh.

"A plan was put into place for Dennis where he could accomplish all of his goals athletically and academically," Harbaugh said. "Our desire is that he gets his Michigan degree, and that plan hasn't changed from our viewpoint and the conversations I've had with Dennis."

Harbaugh declined to go into any more detail when asked if that plan would include Norfleet suiting up for the team this fall.

The Detroit native has two years remaining to use his final season of eligibility. He contacted Tuskegee University, a Division II school in Alabama, with his release, according to the Detroit Free Press. Norfleet would be able to play there immediately because Tuskegee is not an FBS program. He would have to sit out one season if he chose another FBS school.

Norfleet played wide receiver, running back and cornerback during his first three seasons at Michigan. He made his biggest contributions on the field as a kick returner, with his 938 return yards in 2013 ranking second all time in Michigan history. He also racked up 827 kick return yards as a true freshman, the third-best season all time for the Wolverines.

Norfleet moved to cornerback midway through spring practice this year. Harbaugh said he expected Norfleet could help the team on offense, defense and special teams in his final season.

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