Hardeman Ineligible, A&M Forfeits

Texas A&M forfeited its Sept. 12 victory over Louisiana Tech Wednesday after running back D'Andre Hardeman was declared ineligible for the rest of the season for failing to meet NCAA "progress requirements."

Hardeman played in the Aggies' first two games -- a loss to Florida State and a 28-7 victory over Louisiana Tech. Athletic director Wally Goff notified Louisiana Tech that Texas A&M would forfeit the victory because it used Hardeman, an ineligible player.

It remains unclear how the forfeit will count against Texas A&M in relation to postseason play. A school spokesman said the decision will be left to the NCAA.

Hardeman was pulled from the lineup shortly before Saturday's 24-6 victory at Southern Mississippi that left the Aggies at 2-1. The school will recognize its record as 2-1 with a notation of the forfeit.

Texas A&M officials said they discovered a clerical error in the posting of grades at the registrar's office, resulting in Hardeman becoming ineligible. Since the discovery was made after he played in two games, he automatically becomes ineligible for the rest of the season.

"This is a loss for our team, and a big disappointment for this young man," said Aggies coach R.C. Slocum. "Hopefully, he can turn this into a positive by rededicating himself in the classroom and regaining his eligibility for next season."

Hardeman, a senior, has not redshirted during his career and might seek another year of eligibility from the NCAA through the university. He rushed for 105 yards and four touchdowns on 24 carries in the first two games this season.

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