Columbia, Mo. ? It turns out Tony Temple’s career at Missouri is, in fact, over.
Temple announced Tuesday he will give up on any further appeals for an extra year of eligibility and focus on readying himself for the NFL Draft.
“It’s time to move on and focus on doing what I need to do to make a positive impression for the next level,” Temple said in a statement released through the university.
Temple played in just one game as a freshman in 2004, carrying six times for 13 yards in a loss at Nebraska before injuring his Achilles’ tendon. Because of the short stint, Missouri coach Gary Pinkel was hopeful he might be granted an extra year of eligibility.
The request was turned down earlier this month by the Big 12. Temple has dropped his appeal to the NCAA.
Temple certainly went out on a high note, rushing for a Cotton Bowl record 281 yards and scoring four touchdown’s in Missouri’s 38-7 win over Arkansas on Jan. 1. The Tigers had one of their best seasons ever, finishing 12-2 and No. 4 in the nation.