NCAA suspends Taylor 6 games

The NCAA suspended CSC starting safety Trelan Taylor, 22, for the first six games  this year for failing to earn sufficient credit hours to be eligible for the 2011 season.

The suspension came after CSC officials self reported Taylor’s credit shortfall to the NCAA.

Athletic Director Joel R. Smith said that, to remain eligible from year to year, players must earn 24 credit hours annually. Taylor only earned 21 prior to the 2011 season and should have been declared ineligible back then.

“It fell through the cracks,” Smith said, adding that as soon as the school discovered the missing hours, it reported the infraction to the NCAA.

To ensure this does not happen again, Smith said the athletic department is making changes to CSC’s compliance program.

On Tuesday, Taylor questioned why it took so long to dicover the infraction  and said he was disappointed because he is in his senior year and will miss half the season.

But, he said is sure the Eagles  will overcome his absence.

“I am fully confident that our team will make the proper adjustments and take care of business,” Taylor said.

During his suspension Taylor said he will continue training and practicing to ensure he is ready to play come game seven.  He added that he will also be working with younger players, passing on what he knows to help fill the void.

His season debut will be on the road in Spearfish, S.D., Oct. 19, versus the Black Hills State University Yellow Jackets.