Clowe Academically Ineligible Former CV Star Will Miss This Football Season At UI

Tyree Clowe, one of University of Idaho football’s most prized recruits in recent years, is academically ineligible and no longer on scholarship.

“He has a chance to come back, but he’s ineligible for next season,” new coach Tom Cable said. “I think he wants to come back, from talking to him and his family.”

Clowe, a record-shattering running back from Spokane’s Central Valley High, redshirted last season as a freshman. He didn’t participate in recent spring drills because of his academic standing.

Clowe, who was expected to challenge for starting fullback, is attending summer school and plans to pay for classes at UI this fall, Cable said. Clowe could become eligible by January.

“He’s got to meet NCAA eligibility requirements and that’s a lot to get back in good standing,” Cable said. “He says he wants to do it and he says he feels like he’s learned a lesson. I’ve told the kid I’m still supporting him. If he gets his stuff taken care of, I’d love to have him back on the team.”

Clowe’s absence leaves the fullback position up in the air. Senior Casey Hills also is academically ineligible.

Contenders include Lewiston’s Laki Ah Hi and former Gonzaga Prep option quarterback Kevin O’Connell.

Incoming freshmen who might be in the picture include Brian Yarno, Willie Sipoloa and Nate Griffin.

At present, UI’s only other academically ineligible player is freshman defensive lineman Matt Rutgers. “He has a chance to get it worked out and be eligible,” Cable said.