Official word has yet to reach Muncie, but MiQuale Lewis told The Ball State Daily News Wednesday that he has received a fifth year of eligibility.
Lewis said trainer Shawn Comer was called by the NCAA with the news, which was relayed to him by offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner on Monday morning.
Joe Hernandez, Ball State University's Associate Athletic Director for Media and Alumni Relations, said that when the NCAA officially rules on the matter, Ball State will receive a letter. That letter has yet to arrive.
Assistant Mid-American Conference commissioner Ken Mather said Monday that paperwork had been submitted to the NCAA, but official word might not come until February.
Lewis was named second team All-MAC after leading the Cardinals with 871 rushing yards this season. He also set the school record for single-game rushing yards with 301 at Eastern Michigan University. The Fort Wayne native ranks third all-time at Ball State in career rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
Lewis' return would bring back the Cardinals' top four rushers next year. Lewis will again join sophomore Cory Sykes and freshman Eric Williams in the backfield. Quarterback Kelly Page will also be back for Ball State.
Ball State petitioned for the extra year for Lewis and tight end Madaris Grant after Grant tore his ACL on Opening Night against the University of North Texas. Lewis tore his ACL during his sophomore year in Ball State's 41-40 loss at the University of Nebraska.
In addition to the injury his sophomore year, Lewis lost the second half of his freshman season with a shoulder injury. In Lewis' junior year, he stayed healthy and played a big role in Ball State's magical 2008 season. Lewis rushed for a single-season school record 1,736 yards and was named first-team All-MAC after helping the Cardinals to the conference championship game.
The status of Grant's request is still pending.
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