In what would be an unusual instance of good news regarding a UNC player and an eligibility issue, Tar Heel defensive tackle Ethan Farmer has been cleared to play for the 2014 season the school announced on Thursday.
According to Inside Carolina, Farmer's status was in limbo while an appeal to the NCAA was being considered. The appeal was believed to be related to academic issues.
Farmer, a senior, is considered a vital piece to UNC's defensive line which is an area of concern heading into the season. Had Farmer not been available, UNC was looking at starting two redshirt freshman on the defensive line.
Last season, Farmer recorded 30 tackles, 2.5 of them for a loss. He also forced a fumble and had four quarterback hurries in 13 games. The Tabor City, NC product had a career high eight tackles in the 25-23 loss to Duke last season.
