Figueroa Granted Sixth Year of Eligibility by NCAA

CORAL GABLES, Fla.- University of Miami offensive lineman Joel Figueroa has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Figueroa will be eligible to play to play during the 2011 season.

A native of Miami and graduate of North Miami High School, Figueroa was awarded another season of eligibility after missing most of the 2010 season with an injury. Figueroa played in Miami’s first four games – garnering starts at right tackle against Ohio State and Pittsburgh – before being sidelined the remainder of his senior season.

He has played in 36 games in his collegiate career, garnering four starts as a sophomore in 2008, nine as a junior in 2009 and two a season ago. His most significant impact as a Cane came in 2009, when he graded out at 89 percent and recorded 33 pancake blocks as Miami’s regular right guard.

Figueroa earned a redshirt his first year at UM in 2006.