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After tearing his ACL three separate times in college, Arizona Wildcats linebacker Cody Ippolito will be seeking a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, but it won’t happen in Tucson.
I'd like to thank Coach Rod and UofA for the past five years. It's been a good ride but my 6th year is going to be somewhere else
— Cody Ippolito (@CodyIpp57) November 29, 2016
The writing has been on the wall for this decision since the day Ippolito injured his knee this season. The linebacker had been constantly tweeting that he wanted to play another year, but whenever Rich Rodriguez was asked about it, Arizona’s head man would always say that he would recommend against Ippolito coming back to think about his long-term health.
According to the Daily Star, Ippolito is allowed to look at any school, including those in the Pac-12. Apparently he and his family have already contacted Utah, Arizona State, and UCLA.
Ippolito finished his Arizona career with 80 total tackles in 27 games played. He also record 10.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and recovered two fumbles (both of which came against Grambling State this year).
He’ll probably always be known for getting in a sideline fight with Tevin Hood at the 2012 New Mexico Bowl.
Good luck to Ippolito wherever he ends up next year, assuming he does get that sixth year of eligibility.