After being declared academically ineligible to compete during the 2007 Terrapin football season, offensive tackle Jared Gaither announced last Thursday that he would enter the 2007 NFL Supplemental Draft, which takes place July 12.

Gaither, considered a top returning lineman before losing his eligibility for the season, was held out of spring practice by Coach Ralph Friedgen to straighten up his academics.

“This was a decision I came to after sitting down with my family and reviewing my academic situation,” Gaither said in a press release. “I felt my best option now was to enter the supplemental draft, though I would like to come back and get my degree.”

The supplemental draft, held after the traditional draft but before the start of training camp, was created to allow underclassmen who did not enter the April draft but were declared ineligible for the upcoming college season an opportunity for getting into the NFL.

After the selection order is determined by a weighted lottery, each team submits the name of the player they want and which round they want him in. The team with the highest bid gains the rights to the player. If a team successfully bids for a player they lose their draft pick in the corresponding round of next year’s April draft.

Gaither started 17 of 23 games in his two seasons as a Terp. After a breakout freshman campaign in which he did not allow a sack all season, Gaither struggled through academic issues, a neck injury, and a position change in 2006.

The athletically gifted White Plains native could be the first player selected on July 12. His 6-foot-9-inch, 350-pound size along with his tremendous pass blocking skills make him an ideal fit at offensive tackle in the NFL.

The other three major prospects in this year’s supplemental draft class include Georgia cornerback Paul Oliver, Nebraska offensive lineman Chris Patrick and Morgan State defensive tackle Rob Armstrong, who transferred from this university after the 2005 season when Armstrong lost his academic eligibility.

When Gaither is selected will be largely determined by his performance in a workout for league scouts. According to ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli, he could earn a spot in the first three rounds.

Friedgen supported Gaither’s decision to go pro.

“It’s a decision he’s put a lot of thought into,” Friedgen said. “He’s expressed a desire to get his degree, but I think the opportunity to make a living and the chance to be successful at the next level was the deciding factor. We wish him the best of luck and hope he achieves success in the NFL and in life.”

n TERP NOTES: “Terrapins Rising”, a reality show chronicling the Terps spring football practice that originally aired regionally on Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, will go national starting this week. Three carriers, including the FOX College Sports Network, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, and Comcast Sports Southeast will also air the 10-episode series.

Contact reporter Aaron Kraut at sports@dbk.umd.edu.