Georgia Tech quarterback Tim Byerly’s request for a waiver to extend his eligibility was denied earlier this week, ending his career for the Yellow Jackets.
Byerly, a fifth-year senior who tore his ACL in practice before the Tulane game this season, made the announcement Thursday in an open letter to fans that thanked them and specific individuals for their support.
Typically, NCAA athletes have five seasons to complete four seasons of competition. Byerly redshirted his first season at Middle Tennessee State in 2011-12 and then sat out again after transferring to Tech as a walk-on, leaving him three years of competition. He played the 2013 and 2014 seasons and played in one game this past season before his injury.
Byerly was eligible to receive a medical redshirt to regain the final season of eligibility, but also needed to be granted an additional year on his “eligibility clock” to use it. Typically, sixth seasons are granted when the athlete is deprived of more than one season for reasons beyond their control. In Byerly’s case, he sat out one season to redshirt and another as a transfer, both are which considered within an athlete’s control.
While not a starter, Byerly served a critical role for the Jackets during their 2014 season behind starter Justin Thomas, often gaining tough yards on keepers in short-yardage situations.
Byerly’s message was heartfelt, offering thanks to Tech alumnus Karl Dasher for his care and concern following his injury, the Smith family for endowing his scholarship, professor Bill Todd, team doctor John Xerogeanes and coach Paul Johnson.
“I would give anything to play one more season under you, but I feel more than prepared to enter the real world,” Byerly wrote to Johnson.
He saved his final thanks for all of Yellow Jacket nation.
Wrote Byerly, “Being sidelined this entire season has given me the chance to develop a deeper respect and admiration for your support. I will never forget my time walking down Yellow Jacket Alley or running onto the field behind the Ramblin’ Wreck. Though never a primary starter, my hope is that I represented the prestigious Georgia Tech uniform in such a way that made you proud, despite the circumstances that made it difficult to do so this season. You all are the greatest and I now look forward to joining you as we begin to support next season’s team in Ireland.”
With Byerly having played his last, the competition for the spot behind Thomas likely will include Matthew Jordan, who moved into Byerly’s spot after his injury, and Christian Campbell, who redshirted this past season.
