Purdue Wide Receiver Keith Smith Denied Sixth Year

The Boiling Point: Purdue wide out Keith Smith was not granted a sixth-year of eligibility by the NCAA.

The long-awaited news on wide receiver Keith Smith’s eligibility has arrived, and it’s not good news. According to a statement released by Purdue, Smith’s request of a sixth-year of eligibility was denied.

That comes as a bit of a surprise considering the quality of case it appeared Smith had. Smith tore his ACL in the fourth quarter of a Purdue win in the second game of the season.

In a statement released from the University, Purdue coach Danny Hope expressed his disappointment of the decision.

"“The entire Purdue football family is very disappointed for Keith,” Hope said. “We’re not only losing one of the top wide receivers in the Big Ten, but one on the top leaders on our team. We will do everything we can to help Keith continue his football career and get his Purdue degree.”"

Smith’s career at Purdue was a rollercoaster ride. He entered the program as a quarterback in 2007, but was moved to the secondary because of immediate needs on defense. He then left school in the spring because of a family matter in Texas and returned to the program only partially eligible forcing him to take redshirt. Between that redshirt season and the ACL injury that year, Smith missed almost two full seasons leading some to believe his case for a sixth year was good.

"“I just want to say thank you to all of the Purdue fans that have made my college career so much more enjoyable,” Smith said in a statement. “I’m disappointed that I won’t be in Ross-Ade Stadium playing in front you on Saturdays, but my time as a Boilermaker has left me with a lot of great memories.”"

In a very short amount of time at receiver, Smith became one of the best wide outs in the conference thanks to his physicality. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection two seasons ago after catching 91 balls for 1,100 yards and six touchdowns.

Recently, former Purdue players Jason Werner and Torri Williams both got a sixth year because of injuries.