Atlanta, GA (SportsNetwork.com) - Georgia Tech's Jamal Golden has received a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA and will be allowed to participate in a fifth season.
Golden suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the third game of the 2013 campaign against North Carolina. With the waiver, Golden enters 2014 as a junior with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
"While we anticipated that Jamal would receive the waiver, I am happy for him," said Tech coach Paul Johnson. "I know it was difficult for him to watch from the sidelines last season, but he has worked hard to get healthy and he is eager to get started again this spring."
Golden was one of the nation's top return specialists in 2012 as a sophomore, earning honorable mention All-ACC honors as a result. He was the only player to rank in the top 10 nationally in both punt return average (6th/14.59) and kick return average (10th/28.35).
As a member of the Yellow Jackets' secondary, Golden has seen action at safety, cornerback and nickel.
Golden has been cleared to participate in spring practice, which begins March 24.
