Jan. 26, 2007
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Vanderbilt offensive tackle Brian Stamper, a 2006 co-captain for the Commodores and former All-Southeastern Conference recipient, can return to the team next season, according to a NCAA ruling today.
The NCAA granted a waiver authorizing a medical redshirt to Stamper, a resident of Windermere, Fla.. He opened the 2006 campaign as a starter only to undergo season-ending back surgery. The upcoming season will be the fifth in a Vanderbilt uniform for Stamper, who earned a starting role at right tackle as a true freshman in 2003.
Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson said he was pleased with the NCAA ruling. “I’m very happy with the decision, both for Brian and his family, and also for our program,” he said.
Prior to missing most of the 2006 season to the injury, Stamper was one of the Commodores’ top offensive line performers. A three-year starter, Stamper earned All-SEC recognition from league coaches following the Commodores’ 2005 campaign.
The ruling offers the possibility that Vanderbilt could return all five starters from the offensive line. The other returnees include senior left tackle Chris Williams, who earned All-SEC recognition from the coaches last year.