Miami Hurricanes Football: 8 Players Ineligible, What Does This Mean for 'Canes?

According to the Miami Herald, the University of Miami has declared eight football players ineligible in the midst of the scandal involving convicted Ponzi-schemer Nevin Shapiro.

Those names include senior quarterback Jacory Harris and star linebacker Sean Spence. All eight players are projected to be key contributors to the Hurricanes this season. 

The university has submitted inquiries to the NCAA to begin the process to reinstate the players, but the clock is steadily ticking, with Miami's season-opener against Maryland a mere eight days away and nothing settled as of yet.

The loss of Harris and Spence would be huge for the team.

According to coach Al Golden, the senior quarterback was "excellent" in fall scrimmages. If Spence misses any time, the defense will suffer greatly, as he was projected to anchor the middle of a hopefully-resurgent Hurricanes defense.

The other five unknown players named in the Yahoo! Sports report have been deemed eligible by the university, as NCAA rules permit players who have received $100 or less in improper benefits to repay them to a charity of their choice.

With the season-opener moving ever so close, the Hurricanes must move forward. 

They must field a team that will give them the best chance to win, but they must also take care not to field players who are later determined to be ineligible by the NCAA and possibly face tougher sanctions.

With the school deeming the eight players ineligible, it is putting forth the mantra that it will cooperate with the NCAA, even if it means they don't win this season.

All eyes are now on the NCAA to make individual rulings in this case, and the team is holding out hope it will get some or all of the players reinstated in time to start the season on a positive note.