Arizona State will reap the benefits of landing transfer quarterback Blake Barnett right away.
Per his Twitter account, Barnett, who left Alabama last fall four games into the season, will be available Week 1 vs. New Mexico State for the Sun Devils. Barnett became eligible to play right away because of an appeal ruling from the NCAA.
When you find out you're eligible for game 1! August 31 can't come soon enough. #ForksUppic.twitter.com/0b1gAlunS4
— B² (@Blake8Barnett) January 31, 2017
Barnett reportedly considered transferring early during the 2016 season when it became clear Jalen Hurts would be the starting quarterback. Barnett then enrolled at Palomar College in California and announced he was transferring to Arizona State in December. Per an initial NCAA transfer loophole, he would have to sit the first four games of the 2017 season in order to satisfy a one calendar year rule.
That's why the former five-star recruit is leaving now and transferring to a junior college, according to sources. Barnett will be eligible to play at another FBS school after the fourth game of next season as long as he completes an average of 12 hours of transferrable degree credits per term at the junior college, earns at least a 2.5 GPA in those courses and graduates from the junior college, according to NCAA Bylaw 14.5.6.
Barnett started for the Tide in their opener against Southern California, but was eventually replaced full time by Hurts. He finished the season with 219 passing yards and a pair of touchdown passes. He will be reunited with former Alabama receivers coach Billy Napier, who is the Sun Devils' new offensive coordinator.
