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Kevin Richardson II is one step closer to gaining a sixth year of eligibility that would allow him to play for Arkansas in 2018.

The NCAA Division I Council has approved the rule that would allow student-athletes to receive a medical redshirt even if they used their redshirt in their first year, an NCAA spokesperson told Hawgs247. Previously, the NCAA only granted a medical redshirt if the student-athlete hadn't already redshirted.

Originally a walk-on from Jacksonville, Ark., Richardson redshirted as a true freshman in 2013 before evolving into a contributor on defense and eventually earning a scholarship. He started the 2016 season-opener against Louisiana Tech, but suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the second half.

The injury required surgery and caused him to miss the rest of the year. He returned in 2017 and was one of Arkansas' top playmakers as a nickel back, finishing with 50 tackles, four pass breakups, three interceptions and a 22-yard fumble returned for a touchdown that was critical in a comeback win over Ole Miss.

Richardson participated in senior day festivities before last year's Missouri game and was even invited to play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl before learning about the proposed rule change. As a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, he discussed the proposal with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and other members of the group in February.

Because there was optimism that it would ultimately be approved, Richardson went through spring drills with the Razorbacks. He wore a green no-contact jersey, though, as he was recovering from a lingering shoulder injury.

The next hurdle the rule needs to clear is the Board of Directors meeting next Wednesday. If it isn't changed or killed, the rule becomes effective immediately and Richardson would then apply for a waiver to receive his sixth year of eligibility.

Although his return would give Arkansas another veteran player in its secondary, it would not help the Razorbacks' current scholarship situation. After the transfers of Will Gragg and Reid Miller, they are still sitting at 87 scholarships. That means two other players will have to leave the program to meet the NCAA limit of 85.

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