Navy football quarterback Tago Smith will not be allowed to pursue a fifth year of eligibility, The Capital has learned.
Vice Admiral Walter "Ted" Carter, the Naval Academy superintendent, made the decision, which effectively ends Smith's collegiate career.
Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opener against Fordham. The senior underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in early September and has been rehabilitating ever since.
The Capital had previously confirmed that Smith had hoped to return to play during the 2017 season as a fifth-year senior. The Naval Academy Athletic Association was prepared to apply to the NCAA for a medical redshirt on behalf of Smith had the superintendent signed off.