Noon update: UM junior Juwon Young, who was expected to get playing time this season, is away from the team and his status for next season is in serious doubt as UM investigates a potential NCAA violation involving the linebacker, our ace contributor Peter Ariz and I have confirmed today. (Update: in the wake of this post, UM announced Young has been suspended indefinitely for violation of department rules).
Multiple people inside the UM football program do not expect Young to be on the team this season. One source cautioned that he's in limbo and it's still possible he could return but he's not in a good position.
The matter, according to a source, involved Young gaining use of a luxury vehicle from a car agency. It's unclear if Young paid for the vehicle or if he intends to.
UM also is investigating whether standout defensive end Al Quadin Muhammad was involved with this car agency and whether he committed an NCAA violation.
Muhammad has not been cleared, but he remains on the team, according to a source with direct knowledge. Multiple sources told Ariz that they expect Muhammad to be on the team next season.
UM, whose NCAA probation is ending in October, is investigating both players' involvement and would report the matter to the NCAA if it confirms any violations occurred.
After appearing in four games in his first season (2014), Young had 57 tackles, including three for loss, one interception and one forced fumble in 10 games last season.
He was expected to get playing time this season, potentially behind freshman revelation Shaquille Quarterman at middle linebacker.
Muhammad is expected to start at defensive end if he's cleared. He had 54 tackles and five sacks last season and is UM's best pass rusher.
HEAT SIGNINGS
The Heat didn't have a draft pick Thursday but has begun the process of signing players who went undrafted, a process that has brought considerable talent to the team, including Udonis Haslem and Tyler Johnson.
South Carolina small forward Michael Carrera and former St. John's power forward/center Chris Obekpa both agreed to play on Miami's summer league teams in Orlando and Las Vegas, according to Carrera's agent (Miami Beach-based Seth Cohen) and Obekpa's agent (Aaron Turner).
Former Toledo center Nathan Booth also agreed to play on the Heat's teams in Orlando and Las Vegas, according to Sheridan Hoops' Michael Scotto.
Carrera averaged 14.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1 block and 1 steal per game for the Gamecocks last season. He's considered a very good defender and his three-point game improved dramatically last year, with Carrera shooting 40.5 percent on threes (51 for 126). He shot 44.9 percent from the field overall.
Carrera will play for Venezuela in the Olympics this summer, Cohen said.
"When I speak to NBA people, they say his relentless approach to every possession, and his ability to defend from the 1 to the 4, coupled with his long-distance shooting, is what makes him attractive," South Carolina coach Frank Martin told The State in Columbia, S.C.. "Unbelievable teammate."
Obekpa, a 6-10 center from Nigeria, led Division 1 in blocks as a freshman at St. John's (4.0 per game) and averaged 2.9 and 3.1 blocks the following two seasons. He averaged 5.8 points and 7.0 rebounds in his final season at St. John's (2014-15).
He then transferred to UNLV but sat out last season, in accordance with NCAA transfer rules, and decided to turn pro after the season. Obekpa has worked to develop a mid-range jump shot.
Booth, 6-9, averaged 19.3 points and 9.0 rebounds last season and shot 49.6 percent from the field and 37.5 percent (33 for 88) on three-pointers.
Meanwhile, Louisville announced that the Heat signed 6-6 shooting guard Damion Lee, who averaged 15.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals and shot 42.8 percent from the field and 34.1 percent on three-pointers.
Check back for more later.... And please see the last post for Hassan Whiteside news and where UM's Sheldon McClellan signed.... Twitter: @flasportsbuzz
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