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USC tailback Hershel Dennis was officially granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, reports WeAreSC.com. A knee injury kept Dennis from participating in the 2005 season, allowing running backs Reggie Bush and Lendale White to emerge as the foremost one-two punch in college football. The same reoccurring injury ended hope for his comeback in 2006, when the Trojans were in desperate need of establishing a ground offense. This typically would have ended his time at USC, but Dennis and the Trojans petitioned the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility.

After graduating from USC last month with a degree in sociology Dennis filled out his application for the additional year and the ruling came down today in his favor.

Dennis, with a career 6 touchdowns and 968 yards, was again impressive during the annual Spring Huddle, scoring two touchdowns. Even with the crowded backfield, expect Dennis to get a fair number of carries. With good breakaway speed and lateral mobility, he will be another weapon on the Trojans formidable offense.