Virginia DE Fitzgerald leaves Cavs' program
From NCAA College Football Information & Resource
February 26, 2008
Virginia defensive end Jeffrey Fitzgerald's exit from the school's program was confirmed after the school announced that the prized lineman is not enrolled for classes this semester.
Jim Daves, UVa.'s sports information director said Monday that Fitzgerald is no longer a student but refused to divulge more details because of privacy issues. A month ago, Fitzgerald has informed his teammates that he will be leaving the football program but did not specifically tell them the reason.
Fitzgerald's departure will definitely be a big blow on the Cavalier defense which not long ago has lost its premiere defender, Chris Long, to the NFL. Long, a prospected top 5 pick in the Draft, and Fitzgerald were Virginia's starters on its 3-4 defense.
The 6-foot-3, 279-pound redshirt sophomore was fourth in the team in tackles with 73, including 11-1/2 for loss, as a second year starter this past season. He also registered 7 sacks, two pick-offs with one returned for a touchdown, forced a couple of fumbles with one fumble recovery.
In addition to Fitzgerald, Virginia will also be missing the services of two-year starting quarterback Jameel Sewell, starting cornerback Chris Cook, and two others because of academic issues. Sewell and Cook may not be back until after the 2008 season.
Sources
- Jay Jenkins "Sources: Fitzgerald leaves UVa program". The Daily Progress, January 25, 2007
- Associated Press "Virginia's Fitzgerald no longer enrolled". The Sporting News, February 25, 2008
