Feb. 5, 2003
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State defensive end Ryan Iata will return to the San Diego State football team in 2003 after being granted a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA.
The waiver of the five-year eligibility rule was granted due to an injury Iata suffered in the third game of the 2003 season against Arizona State. Iata tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, causing him to miss the remainder of what would have been his final season.
Iata, a product of Long Beach Poly High School, was projected to have a big senior season after completing his first full year as a starter in 2001. He started 10 games in 2001 and was credited with 24 tackles. His six-tackle effort against Air Force was his best of the season.
Iata becomes the second Aztec defensive end in as many seasons to receive a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA. Akbar Gbaja Biamila completed his sixth year on Montezuma Mesa in 2002.