Francis Maka got his sixth year!

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The NCAA today ruled that Maka's request would be granted and he is immediately eligible to play for the Warriors.

"I'm especially happy for Francis because he's such a great person," head coach Greg McMackin said in a release. "He was an outstanding player for our defense last year. I'm really pleased that his constant efforts convinced the NCAA to extend his eligibility. He will be a great addition to our football team."

Maka has to practice one more day without pads before he is fully cleared to practice and to compete in the game.

The Warriors have a walk-through practice tomorrow afternoon.

Maka attended the University of Arizona in 2003-04 but did not play because of a financial situation and a knee injury.

He attended the College of San Mateo for two years before transferring to UH in January 2007.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pound Maka played defensive end last season.

The petitioned for a sixth season because he said had suffered a hardship (financially and physically) and did not play for two years.

The NCAA today approved Francis Maka’s request for a sixth year of eligibility, allowing the defensive end to be immediately reinstated to the active roster.
“I’m so happy,” Maka said. “I can’t believe it.”
He had thought his NCAA career expired after the Sugar Bowl.
The NCAA had denied earlier petitions for a sixth year.
But he submitted additional information showing he had suffered physical and financial hardships that kept him from playing for two years. UH compliance officer Amanda Paterson submitted the information to the NCAA Monday.
The NCAA then granted Maka 14 days to practice while his appeal was reviewed.
But after this morning pracice, in which Maka competed in with no pads, his request was granted.
He will need to practice one more day without pads before being eligible to compete in a game. The Warriors have a light practice tomorrow afternoon.
Maka was at Arizona for the 2003 and 2004 seasons but did not play in any games because of a knee injury and a financial situation.
He then played two seasons at College of San Mateo before transferring to UH. He was a defensive end last season.