Dismissed Clemson linebacker transfers to Tarleton

By BRAD KEITH
Sports Editor
brad.keith@empiretribune.com
Published: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:08 AM CDT

Senior Cortney Vincent, who lettered three seasons at NCAA Division I Clemson, is transferring to Tarleton State, instantly making him the most high-profile and experienced member of a defensive unit that returns five regulars from 2007.

The signing of the 6-0, 235-pound linebacker was first reported by lscscoop.com, a Web site covering the Lone Star Conference, and later confirmed by Tarleton Head Football Coach Sam McElroy.

“He just signed his scholarship (Monday),” McElroy said. While Vincent, 22, brings experience and talent - he made 68 stops last fall, including 7 for loss and 2 sacks while starting all 13 games - he also brings something else that is not unordinary of DI transfers - baggage.

Vincent was arrested and charged with DUI in Pickens County, SC in December, just weeks before Clemson battled Auburn in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. CU coach Tommy Bowden allowed the starting linebacker to play in the bowl game - Clemson lost, 23-20, in overtime - but later suspended him from all team activities during the spring. He then dismissed him from the team in May, saying, according to the Associated Press, that Vincent would have been academically eligible for the 2008 season, but had not met personal goals set for him by the team.

“I understand that the case hasn’t even gone to court yet,” McElroy said of Vincent’s DUI charges. “I think (Clemson) was hoping to have some closure on that whole deal by the end of the spring, and that didn’t happen. I don’t know if it will ever happen.”

Go the Stephenville Empire Tribune for the rest of the story.