Michigan State offensive lineman Brandon Clemons will be returning to the Spartans for a sixth season. The NCAA approved Clemons' appeal for an extra year of eligibility Tuesday.
Clemons' return provides a boost of experience for an offensive line that needs to replace three starters (two of them former All-America selections) in the 2016 season. The Pennsylvania native worked with the first unit at offensive guard during spring practice. Head coach Mark Dantonio was confident Clemons would be able to play this fall.
"Brandon Clemons adds a great deal of experience and stability to the offensive line," Dantonio said in a news release Tuesday evening. "I believe the team is only as good as the seniors. Brandon has been part of a winning culture here the past five years and we're excited he's getting the opportunity to maintain that level of excellence for his sixth season."
Clemons played in every game at Michigan State during the past two seasons as part of the team's eight-man offensive line rotation. Clemons did not play during his first two years on campus due to injuries, which made him eligible for a sixth season.
Michigan State is waiting to hear if linebacker Ed Davis, another veteran starter, will also be granted a sixth season. Davis was a preseason All-Big Ten selection in 2015 before a knee injury sidelined him for the year.
He won't be able to officially apply for another year until he finishes his degree at the end of the summer academic semester, but Dantonio said earlier this month that he was confident in Davis' case with the NCAA.