In a move that would be classified under the “Surprise” category below, but is not wholly surprising, it appears as though Charles Hoke will move to a medical hardship scholarship.

There had been rumors beginning as early as the Ole Miss game, when true freshman Chris Underwood made the trip to Oxford and Hoke, a Junior, did not. The rumors strengthened near signing day when Bama signed 2 guys (Devonta Bolton & Michael Williams) who could project at Tight End, and heavily pursued another (Tyler Edwards).

In the spring Hoke made the move to Left Tackle, a move that given his weight made no sense. But given the Tide’s shocking lack of depth at the position, it appears to make a lot of sense. It appears as though Charles Hoke may have “taken one for the team” and stuck around for spring practice in order to help his team.

Either way, it appears as though a nagging shoulder will be the official reason for Charles leaving the football team. His departure leaves the Tide with 65 guys on scholarship. In order to bring in a full 25 in the fall, there will have to be 5 more players leave the team.