Football : Hales to Forego Final Season of Eligibility

Austin -- Texas senior WR DeSean Hales has announced he will forego his final season of eligibility and focus on completing his degree. Hales will remain with the team and gain experience as a student coach while he completes the final three classes he needs to graduate this fall.

  "Coming to this decision wasn't easy, but I've talked to my family and have decided that it would be best for me to focus on my degree and my career for the future," Hales said. "Football doesn't last forever, and I feel like I could be a help to the team in other ways outside of playing. I always knew that eventually I would like to work with young people, whether it's coaching or training or in some other way, and this will give me the experience of doing that. I've been in the system, I've seen how things work and I can help guide them and show them the ropes.

  "I'm also planning on graduating this fall, and that's really the most important thing. It's been a great experience at Texas, and I'm just happy I'm still going to be able to be around the team, help out and be able finish my degree at the same time."

  A native of Klein, Texas, Hales played in 31 career games, appearing on both offense and special teams while recording 13 receptions for 87 yards. He played in 11 games in each of the last two seasons as a sophomore and junior, and appeared in nine games as a redshirt freshman.

  "We appreciate the effort and work DeSean has put in over his four years as a player here," head coach Mack Brown said. "We understand his decision and look forward to him staying involved with the team and being a positive influence, especially to the young receivers."