Ex-Armwood star Patchan, Debose cleared to play

Posted Aug 18, 2011 by David Jones, Florida Today

Updated Aug 18, 2011 at 12:05 PM

The University of Florida said Thursday the NCAA eligibility of former Armwood High School offensive lineman Matt Patchan and receiver Andre Debose are not in question.

The two - along with UF assistant coach Aubrey Hill - are mentioned in a Yahoo Sports report into the University of Miami’s athletic program.

“We have been in communication with the NCAA, and there are no eligibility issues with Andre Debose and Matt Patchan as it relates to recent reports. Andre, Matt nor the University of Florida will have any additional comments regarding this matter,’’ the UF statement read.

Patchan, a 6-foot-6, 292-pound junior, was sidelined by a wrist injury last season but is expected to compete for a starting job this year.

According to the Yahoo Sports report, Miami booster Nevin Shapiro claims he provided thousands of benefits to at least 72 athletes from 2002 to 2010 and mentioned Hill as one of the football coaches who had knowledge of his actions. Hill was on the Hurricanes’ staff at th time.

Shapiro, who is currently in jail for his role in a $930 million Ponzi scheme, claims to have provided cash, prostitutes, entertainment in his multimillion-dollar homes and yacht, paid trips to high-end restaurants and nightclubs.

Patchan and Debose, a redshirt sophomore from Sanford, are mentioned amid various claims as also receiving special treatment by Shapiro while Miami was recruiting them.

UF spokesman Steve McClain said this week Hill, the Gators’ recruiting coordinator, is confident no wrongdoing will be found regarding his actions while at Miami. Hill served as recruiting coordinator at UM before coming to Florida.