John Clay is academically ineligible

Jeff Potrykus -- as usual -- has the scoop:

John Clay, a former all-state tailback from Racine Park High School and a key member of the University of Wisconsin's 2007 freshman class, has failed to meet the NCAA's minimum academic eligibility standards and won't be allowed to play for UW this season.

...

Under NCAA rules, Clay will not be allowed to practice with the team in 2007-'08 or receive athletic aid and will lose a year of eligibility. He can regain that lost year of eligibility, however. To do that, he must complete 80% of his designated degree program by the beginning of his fifth academic year.

Without Clay, UW should have just three scholarship tailbacks on its roster when pre-season camp opens next month.

With any luck, Hill will bounce back from surgery and not miss a step (as he's expected to do), and Lance Smith and Zach Brown will turn out to be solid change-of-pace guys.

Study up, John!