Anthony Hankerson, who recently played in a Seahawks preseason game, is now eligible for a college football return thanks to a Louisiana court order.
In a surprising turn of events, former Oregon State University running back Anthony Hankerson has been waived by the Seattle Seahawks. This decision, made recently, has opened an unexpected path for Hankerson: a potential return to college football, a possibility not usually available to players who have signed NFL contracts.
Hankerson had only just joined the Seahawks last week, making an appearance in their 19-16 preseason defeat against Tennessee on Sunday night. During that game, he carried the ball five times for 10 rushing yards and also recorded two receptions for nine yards, showcasing his versatility in a brief NFL stint.
The opportunity for Hankerson to return to the collegiate level stems from a significant Louisiana court order issued last week. This ruling has temporarily granted eligibility to a group of players who graduated high school in 2022, allowing them to pursue a fifth season of college play, according to reporting by NFL.
Louisiana Court Order Opens College Football Eligibility
The landmark court order from Louisiana has created a unique avenue for players like Anthony Hankerson. This ruling specifically applies to 16 athletes who completed high school in 2022, granting them a temporary restraining order that makes them eligible for an additional collegiate season. Once Hankerson officially clears waivers from the Seahawks, he will be free to enter the college football transfer portal and seek a new team.
Hankerson is not the only player impacted by this recent legal development. Running back T.J. Harden, who also saw preseason action with the Seahawks in a game against Dallas, was another athlete granted this temporary restraining order by the Louisiana judge. Harden, an undrafted player from SMU, was also waived by Seattle and has already entered the transfer portal last week, signaling his intent to return to college.
Anthony Hankerson's Pro Journey and Oregon State Success
Before his brief tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, Anthony Hankerson was an undrafted rookie emerging from Oregon State University. His initial professional opportunity came in April, when he signed with the Miami Dolphins. However, his time there was short-lived, as he was waived by Miami earlier this month before being picked up by Seattle for their preseason efforts.
Hankerson's collegiate career at Oregon State was notably productive, especially in his second season with the Corvallis-based program. During that impactful year, he amassed an impressive 1,086 rushing yards and scored nine touchdowns on the ground. Additionally, he proved to be a reliable pass-catcher, securing 22 receptions for 123 receiving yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Anthony Hankerson eligible to return to college football?
Anthony Hankerson is eligible to return to college football due to a temporary restraining order issued by a Louisiana court. This ruling allows 16 players who graduated high school in 2022 to play a fifth collegiate season, making an exception to standard eligibility rules.
What were Anthony Hankerson's statistics with the Seattle Seahawks?
In his sole preseason game with the Seattle Seahawks against Tennessee, Anthony Hankerson rushed for 10 yards on five carries. He also contributed in the passing game, catching two passes for nine yards before being waived.
What were Anthony Hankerson's career stats at Oregon State?
In his second season at Oregon State, Anthony Hankerson recorded 1,086 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. He also added 22 receptions for 123 receiving yards, highlighting his significant contribution to the Beavers' offense.
Which other player was mentioned regarding the Louisiana court order?
Running back T.J. Harden, who played for SMU and was also waived by the Seattle Seahawks, was another player granted a temporary restraining order by the Louisiana judge, allowing him to enter the transfer portal for a potential college return.