NSU Spartans lineman granted a sixth year by NCAA

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  Norfolk State offensive tackle Blake Matthews has been granted a rare sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA because of medical hardship, Spartans coach Pete Adrian said.

Adrian said he got word last Friday from the school's compliance officer that he'd have Matthews back this fall.

"It was welcome news," Adrian said. "That's a big plus for us, just for leadership and things of that nature."

Matthews isn't just another guy on the offensive line; he was the 2011 MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year as a junior.

He missed all of last season, however, after suffering a knee injury during the team's second fall practice.

Matthews, a 6-foot-4, 315-pound native of Manassas, was first-team All ...

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