Gator Country

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Neiron Ball suffered a congenital vascular condition after the 2010 season that sidelined him for all of 2011, but he says he's been cleared to play football again. / Gator Country file photo by Tim Casey

Florida coach Will Muschamp said at his national signing day press conference that the team’s doctors and athletic training staff would re-evaluate redshirt sophomore linebacker Neiron Ball’s playing status in March.

They apparently wasted little time informing Ball after they turned the page on their calendars, as the Georgia linebacker posted on his Facebook account today he’s cleared to play.

"Got GREAT news today!!!I am CLEARED TO PLAY FOOTBALL AGAIN!This is one of many God's blessings....I am so thankful and excited!PRAISE GOD!" he said.

Ball suffered a congenital vascular condition that hospitalized him for five days in February, 2011. After leaving the intensive care unit, Ball’s football future was in jeopardy. He was ruled out for the entire 2011 season, with Muschamp expected to announce his playing status for spring practice in the next few weeks.

A text message seeking confirmation from a University of Florida spokesperson was not immediately returned.

Ball played sparingly as a true freshman and recorded 10 tackles and a half tackle for a loss. He played mostly on special teams.

The 2011 Florida media guide listed him at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds.

About the author

Thomas Goldkamp

Thomas Goldkamp is the Gator Country beat reporter for football and basketball. He graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications and has been covering the Florida Gators since late 2009. He previously worked as a freelancer on the Rivals network, as well as at the Palm Beach Post. You can find his latest stories here.

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