NCAA grants 6th year to Auburn offensive lineman

Shon Coleman was one of the nation's top offensive line prospects out of high school.

John Albright/Icon SMI

The NCAA has granted Auburn offensive lineman Shon Coleman a sixth year of eligibility.

Coleman was diagnosed with leukemia in the spring of 2010 about a month after signing with the Tigers. Auburn kept his scholarship available, and Coleman signed with the Tigers a year later.

He hasn't played the past two years, which Auburn said was due to leukemia.

Tigers coach Gus Malzahn says Coleman "has been courageous in his fight and we look forward to him returning to the football field."

The 6-foot-6, 302-pounder from Memphis, Tenn., was one of the nation's top offensive line prospects out of high school.

Coleman received treatment at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.