Courtel Jenkins Ruled Academically Ineligible for Sun Bowl: Details, Reaction

With the Miami Hurricanes preparing for the Sun Bowl against Washington State on Dec. 26 in El Paso, Texas, the team sent home defensive lineman Courtel Jenkins on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Brett McMurphy. 

A sophomore who started seven games and recorded 1.5 sacks this season, Jenkins was ruled academically ineligible. Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman confirmed the report.

Jenkins wasn't the first disciplinary casualty of Miami on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, the Hurricanes suspended safety Jamal Carter because of his violation of team rules, perFeldman. 

At 6'1", 311 pounds, Jenkins has been a nice presence on the interior of the defensive line, recording 29 tackles in 12 games. 

His ability to penetrate the offensive line has been promising as well with 3.0 tackles for loss. 

Luckily for the Hurricanes, they'll be taking on a Washington State team that averages under 80 rushing yards per game. So they might not miss Jenkins' presence to clog up the line as much as if they were playing a more successful running offense. 

However, if Miami is unable to replicate the pressure he brings on the quarterback from the middle, the Hurricanes could be in for a long day. The Cougars are the nation's top passing team with 397.0 yards per game. 

Miami does have some other youngsters who could step in for Jenkins on Saturday in freshman Kendrick Norton and sophomores Anthony Moten and Chad Thomas. The three have not seen the same amount of reps or success as Jenkins, but they do provide some playing experience, combining for 50 total tackles this season. 

Norton and Moten provide similar size as they are both over 295 pounds and could help the interior if called upon. 

Stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com.