Warren Ball's college football career isn't finished yet.
The Columbus native and Akron running back received a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA on Wednesday and is set to play for the Zips in 2017. Ball transferred to Akron last spring summer graduating from Ohio State.
From an Akron football press release:
Named a preseason third-team All-MAC by Athlon Sports and College Sports Madness, Ball earned a bachelor's degree in sports industry from Ohio State in spring 2016 before transferring to Akron last summer. He is pursuing a master's degree in sport administration.
"We are extremely happy that Warren will continue as a member of our team," sixth-year head coach Terry Bowden said. "His leadership on and off the field has been a tremendous asset so far, and we look for his continued contributions to our success."
Akron opens the 2017 season at Penn State on Sept. 2. The home opener is slated for Sept. 9 against Arkansas Pine Bluff.
Ball started at running back for the Zips in the first two games of 2016, tallying 181 yards and a score on 25 carries before suffering the injury. He ripped off 71 yards on just seven carries in Akron's 54-10 loss at No. 10 Wisconsin on Sept. 10 before getting hurt. Akron finished the year 5-7 and 3-5 in the MAC.
A former 4-star prospect in Urban Meyer's first Ohio State recruiting class back in 2012, the 6-foot-1, 224-pound Ball rushed only 41 times for 189 yards in his Buckeye career. Ball spent the majority of his time in Columbus behind Carlos Hyde, Ezekiel Elliott, Bri'onte Dunn and others on the depth chart following a redshirt his first season on campus.
